Greensboro College Men’s Basketball Tops Averett Cougars In USA South Play:K.J. Langley(Southwest Guilford HS) with 10 in Pride win

Men’s Basketball Tops Cougars In USA South Play
Courtesy of Wes Gullett, Sports Information Director at Greensboro College

GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro College men’s basketball team picked up a big USA South Athletic Conference victory over the Cougars of Averett University Wednesday, 82-79.

Averett held a 24-14 lead midway through the first period before Greensboro raced out in front of the Cougars 26-24, following a 12-0 run that lasted 2:36. Darus Maddox sparked the run with an old-fashion three-point play before Joseph Gatling connected on three straight three-pointers to give the Pride the lead.

After Greensboro surged past Averett, the Cougars were able to tie the game at 26 but Greensboro closed out the final five minutes of the half on a 15-8 run to take a 41-34 lead into halftime. Maddox, who had a rare four-point play, led the way once again for the Pride with 15 points, while Carmoni Marks tallied the remaining two points.

Despite Averett pulling to within three points early in the second period, Greensboro was able to use a 9-0 run to establish their largest lead of the contest at 52-40 with 14:54 showing on the clock. Cornelius Johnson tallied the first five points of the spurt, while Corey Burnett and Keyford Langley(Southwest Guilford HS) had on layup each.

Following the run, Averett was able to battle back to within four points with 5:58 to play before Johnson crossed up his Cougars defender before dishing the ball off to Burnette for the two-handed jam to make the score 69-61 with 5:20 showing on the clock.

Over the final five minutes of play, the Cougars tried to battle back to take the lead, but Gatling went an eight-for-eight from the free-throw line to help secure the three-point victory.

“It has taken us a while to get to this point as I think tonight was one of our best games of the season in terms of sharing the basketball,” Head Coach Bryan Galuski said. “We trusted and respected each other tonight and we were able to come away with a big win.

“We have to continue playing at this level as we still have some tough games left.”

Maddox finished with a team-high 24 points and seven rebounds, while Gatling (17), Johnson (13) and Langley(Southwest Guilford High School) (10 pts.) also finished with double figures scoring.

The Pride men will return to action at 7:30 p.m. Friday when they travel to Covenant College. For more information on Greensboro College men’s basketball, continue to follow www.greensborocollegesports.com.