By Devin McCullough
Women’s Basketball
The UNCP Braves were business as usual Saturday against Emmanuel University with the women’s team routing the Lions 73-52 headlining, guard Natalie Evington, posting 19 points on 7-7 from the field and continuing her excellent week.
“It’s been unreal, but like coach said, it’s just been a testament of the work we put in the gym, and the work I put in the gym”, Evington said.
The Braves had a near perfect second quarter, as it was a tight game to end the first quarter with the Braves trailing 15-14. The Braves outscored the Lions 24-7 for the second quarter, sparked by Evington hitting back-to-back three’s and shifting the momentum of the game. The Braves led 38-22 at half.
The Braves would control the game and keep them at arms length through the third quarter and respond to every run the Lions had. Kelci Adams recorded a double-double scoring 10 points and 15 rebounds along with Zaria Clark adding 15 points and 7 rebounds as well.
The Braves fell to Francis Marion Monday night 78-77 and will back back in action on Saturday when they travel to take on Young Harris for a 2 p.m. tip-off
Men’s Basketball
The UNCP Men’s Basketball Team defeated Erskine 92-81 on Saturday night.
Another huge day for Bradley Haskell posting 29 points and 6 assists. His backcourt mate Jujuan Carr pitched in with 17 points and 5 assists as well.
The Braves were forced to go deep with early foul trouble from Dallas Gardner and in the front court. The Braves suffocated the Lions going on a 19-5 run midway through the first half to spark the lead all the way to 17. The Braves led 38-25 at half.
It was a game of runs in the second half, Lions clawing their way back in and cutting the lead to 10 with the score at 46-36 The Braves followed with a run of themselves, and grasping their print on the game. Joe’l Pettiford energy on 4 emphatic dunksthrough the course of another run put the dagger in the game.
Pettiford had a nice day as well with a loud 18 points and 8 rebounds.
“We said it the first week he was on campus, we think there’s an all-league player in there somewhere”, Coach Richards said about Pettiford. High praise and a big night.
The Braves defeated Francis Marion Monday night 78-67 and will be back in action tomorrow at 6pm when they welcome Virginia State.