The Greensboro College men’s basketball team was unable to rally from an early deficit in a 72-65 loss to Maryville (6-6, 3-2) at home on Saturday afternoon. The Pride are now 6-5 on the year and 1-2 in the USA South.
The Scots went on top early, scoring the first six points of the game. The advantage would be extended to 11-2 four minutes into the contest following a layup by Joey Bodewig.
Despite implementing a full court press to pressure Maryville, the Scots were able to get their points, primarily in transition and from beyond the three-point line. Overall, Maryville hit on 6-13 attempts from long distance, while going ahead by as many as 15 points.
Greensboro would continue to stay within striking distance, dwindling the deficit to 25-19 following a Damian Dixon trey with 8:05 to play in the half. Dixon finished the first half with 13 points, shooting 3-6 from three.
After falling behind 34-19 with 6:33 to go, The Pride would fight back again, pulling to within 36-27 before going into the half down 40-30.
Greensboro would come out of the locker room energized in the second half, trimming the gap to 43-36. The Scots would respond, however, stretching the margin back to ten points at 46-36 with 12:46 remaining in the game.
The Pride would score the next six points to make the score 48-43 with 9:33 to go. Greensboro would hang around but get no closer than five until the final minute when Brian Thomas drained a three to make the score 67-63 with 1:05 left.
Luqman TIjani converted a layup with 53 ticks on the clock, as The Pride pulled to within one possession at 68-65. That was as close as Greensboro would get, as Maryville held on for the 72-65 win.
Dixon completed his stellar day with a game high 24 points. Tijani contributed 14, while Thomas finished with 13. Leading the rebounding effort was Chakiris Moss with seven.
As a team, The Pride connected on 36% of their field goal tries compared to 49% for the Scots. Maryville held a 43-28 advantage on the boards.
Greensboro will hit the hardwood again on Sunday against USA South leading Christopher Newport. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Hanes Gym.