Three Point Ball Propels GC Pride Men Over Averett 69-58

DANVILLE, VA – Behind a twenty-nine point effort by sophomore Simeon Howard, the Greensboro College men’s basketball team picked up a big road conference victory over the Cougars of Averett University on Wednesday night 69-58.

With the game tied at 6-6 early in the first half of play, the Pride was able give themselves a seven point advantage at 13-6 following a 7-2 run. Edric Roberts got the run started for Greensboro with their third three pointer of the first four minutes of the game before Howard capped off the run with a pair of charity shots.

Later in the first half of play, Greensboro College was able to establish their largest lead of the game at 37-24 with 2:46 to play in the opening period. Raheem Martin, Will Griffin, Brandon Pascucci, and Howard each recorded a bucket during the span leading up to the 2:46 mark.

After gaining the thirteen point edge, Averett was able to pull within eight points heading into the break at 41-33.

Coming out of the halftime break, the Pride was not able to shake the Cougars. Averett was able to pull within one point at 49-48 at the halfway mark of the second frame of play.

Following the basket by Averett, Greensboro was once again able to extend their lead back out to seven at 55-48 following a 6-0 run. Simeon Howard quickly answered the Cougars basket to extend the margin back to three points before Raheem Martin capped it off with his fourth basket of the game.

As the second half ticked below three minutes to play, Averett was able to pull with four points at 60-56 but the Pride was able to close out the game on a 9-2 run to preserve the victory.

“This was a really good win for us on the road,” Pride Head Men’s Basketball Coach Bryan Galuski said following the contest. ” We have been struggling defensively and I felt our defense was tremendous. I was proud of how we bounced back off a road loss and found a way to win tonight. We have to build on tonight’s performance and become a more consistent team.”

Raheem Martin and Will Griffin joined Howard in the double figure scoring mark on the night. Martin finished the night with 12 points on five of ten shooting, while Griffin went a perfect six of six from the field recording 14 points off the bench.

The Pride also had a big shot blocking game setting the school single game record with 12 blocked shots. Martin and Parris Scales each recorded five blocks in the contest with Joseph Gatling chipping in the other two.

With the win, Greensboro College improves their record to 10-6 overall and 3-2 in USA South Athletic Conference play. The Pride men will return home on Saturday afternoon when they welcome conference rival Methodist University to Mayo C. Harlow Memorial Court. The men’s game is the first part of a USA South double header with the men tipping off at 2:00 PM. For the latest in Pride Athletics, continue to follow www.greensborocollegesports.com.