Feb. 12, 2008

Final Stats

Johnson C. Smith University played host to the divisional leader Saint Augustine's College tonight in Brayboy Gymnasium. As is always the case when these two teams meet, the entire game was a closely contested one. Tonight's contest was decided by a last-second shot and Saint Augustine's sealed the season sweep over Smith by a score of 67-65 in overtime.

The last time these two teams met, the Falcons escaped with a buzzer beating win over Smith 69-68. The first half started out rather sloppily with both teams creating costly turnovers. JCSU settled down toward the latter part of the half and went into the locker room up by five (30-25).

JCSU controlled a two-possession lead for most of the first half. The Falcons tied the score on a dunk by Justin Dickens with an assist by James Scott. Maurice Hooper answered right back with a pull-up jumper to regain the lead at 46-44 with seven minutes left in regulation. SAC took their first lead at the six minute mark on a lay-up by Kalvin Patterson.

The Falcons were fouling out and dropping like flies. With 1:49 remaining, Patterson, Wakeim White, and Justin Dickens had all turned in their uniforms for the evening. With the score reading 57-56 in favor of the Falcons, SAC's Will Gill went to the charity stripe for two shots. He missed both and gave JCSU the chance at a win with 34 seconds remaining. Veteran head coach wanted to script a play for his team and called a time out. As the clock winded down, Maurice Hooper attempted the long ball. Ryan Scott (Reston, Va.) was right there to get the rebound and the put-back giving Smith the one point advantage 58-57 with 19 ticks remaining.

SAC Freshman Hayward Fain tried to hit the long ball but Hollis displayed his leaping ability and blocked the shot. Dillard came up with the big defensive rebound. Robert Schuler fouled Dillard and with eight seconds left, Dillard went to the line for two shots as both teams were in a double bonus. Dillard hit one of two shots and now the score read 59-57 with JCSU ahead.Scott fouled Marcus Butler with four seconds in the game. Butler connected both shots and here came some free basketball.

In the first overtime session, it would take both teams over a minute to score. Freshman Ronald Thornhill (Alberta, Va.) hit both of his free throws to go ahead 61-59. Hollis followed suit and now the score read 63-59 with 3:08 left. Schuler answered with a quick dunk of his own and then a fade-away jumper to tie the game at 63-all. Fain scored, then Scott followed with a jumper to knot the game at 65-all. With nine ticks left, SAC wanted a timeout to talk things over.

Hayward Fain attempted a three-pointer which was off-the-mark. Schuler was right there for the controversial put-back. It appeared as if there was no time on the clock. SAC's team left for the locker room while the officials conferred. After a short deliberation, the officials ruled that the basket did count and the Falcons prevailed to victory.

Jerry Hollis (Charlotte, N.C.), an All-CIAA candidate, led the team in scoring once again with 18 points and five rebounds and three blocks. James Dillard (Apex, N.C.) contributed 13 points.

Saint Augustine's was led by Justin Dickens' 18 points. Will Gill, Hayward Fain and Robert Schuler all chipped in 10 points.

SAC now improves to 15-6 overall, 11-4 in the CIAA. JCSU drops to 14-9 overall, 8-7 in league play.

JCSU moves on to face Livingstone College on Valentine's Day (Feb. 14) in Salisbury, N.C. Game time is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Trent Gymnasium on campus.