Greensboro College Pride Men’s Basketball Drops USA South Opener 89-88

GREENSBORO, NC—The Greensboro College Pride men’s basketball team dropped their USA South opener to the Hawks of Huntingdon College on Saturday afternoon by a 89-88 score.

In the first half of play, the Hawks were able to jump out on The Pride early taking a 9-3 lead three minutes into the half. Over the next two minutes of play, Greensboro used a 11-2 run to take the lead at 18-13 lead with 14 minutes left to play in the opening half. During the run for Greensboro, Damian Dixon scored five of his 13 first half points. Once Greensboro took the lead in the half, Huntingdon responded right back with their own run, retaking the lead at 23-22. Over the remaining nine minutes of the half, The Pride would trail by as many as five points but was able to close out the half on a 13-3 run highlighted by Will Griffin’s eight points to take a 49-44 lead into the break.

Coming out of the break, Huntingdon was able to climb back into the game and tie the game at 53-53 just two and a half minutes into the new frame. Over the next ten minutes of the half both teams were able to keep putting points on the board, before Huntingdon went on a 10-2 run to put The Pride down eight with 3:30 remaining in the game at 88-80. Even though the Hawks jumped out to the eight point lead, Greensboro did not back down fighting back into the contest. The Pride cut the Huntingdon lead down to one at 88-87 when Devan Gregory capped off an old fashion three point play with just over a minute remaining. After the Greensboro defense was able get a stop with 15 seconds reaming, The Pride would have one last shot to come away with the win. Greensboro got a steal by Will Griffin who was able to find Gregory, but his runner at the buzzer hit the front of the iron to close out the game.

The Pride had four players score in double figures in the contest with Damian Dixon leading the way with 21 points. Will Griffin contributed 18 points, while Raheem Martin also added 14 points. Tracy Jerster led the way for The Pride with a team high eight rebounds.

With the loss, The Pride falls to 3-7 on the season and 0-1 in USA South play. Greensboro will return to USA South play on Sunday afternoon, when the Panthers from LaGrange come to Mayo C. Harlow Memorial Court. The first tip of the game is scheduled for 3:00. For the latest on the Greensboro College Pride men’s basketball team and the rest of Pride athletics continue to follow www.greensborocollegesports.com.

                                    1st  2nd   Final
   Huntingdon (1-6, 1-0 USAS)       44   45     89
   Greensboro (3-7, 0-1 USAS)       49   39     88

Greensboro, NC (Hanes Gym)