(GREENSBORO, N.C.) — Luqman Tijani tallied 12 points and seven rebounds in only 17 minutes of action as The Pride men’s basketball team blasted Allen University by a score of 82-45 Monday night in Hanes Gymnasium.
A stingy defense–led by Chakiris Moss’ four steals–forced Allen to shoot 33.9% from the field on 20-59 shooting. Moss and company also forced 30 turnovers. The Pride narrowly edged out Allen on the glass, 49-46.
Allen University’s Jeremey Crawford led his team in scoring with 16 points and seven rebounds. Crawford scored the opening basket shortly after tip off, but the Pride dominated from the following inbounds pass to go on a 13-4 run.
The Pride continued to pull away from the Yellow Jackets for a 42-22 halftime lead.
The second half was much of the same for the hosts. After an early Allen basket cut the deficit to 19, Greensboro opened up a 24 point margin minutes later and never led by less than that.
Coming off the bench, Brian Thomas led the reserves with eight points. Raheem Martinpulled down seven rebounds and threw a spectacular alley oop to Tracy Jester that brought the Haynes crowd to their feet.
Freshman Lawerence Butts drained the first points of his young career on a three pointer with 6:40 left to go in the game.
The Pride are now 11-4 on the season and will return home for a pivotal USA South Conference matchup against Averett University on Wednesday night. Tip off is slated for 7:30 as the second half of a basketball double header.