By Sean Hancock
The Pembroke Men’s Basketball team (15-6, 12-2 in CC) defeated the Virginia State Trojans (13-8) 78-62 at home
Wednesday night. The Braves 2nd half scoring sealed the deal for their victory.
The first half was back and forth as Virginia St. shot better from the field in the half,
with 45.83 % compared to Pembroke’s 26.09%. This allowed Virginia St. to end the half
with a 3-point lead (32-29).
Entering the second half Pembroke found a rhythm, improving their field goal
percentage to 53.13% and three-point percentage to 41.18%. This allowed Pembroke to
pull away and definitively clinch the win.
Senior guard Bradlee Haskell led the team in points with 18 and went four for six from
the three-point line. Guard JaJuan Carr shot 100% from the field, totaling 17 points with
six rebounds, six assists and zero turnovers.
“Well, I didn’t know that I didn’t miss any shots until you told me, but I feel like the most
important was the zero turnovers,” Carr said at the press conference when told he didn’t
miss any shots.
The fast break was another factor that was key to the Brave’s victory; they outscored
Virginia St. on fast break points 24-11. The Brave’s lockdown defense allowed them to
move up the court quickly and effectively.
“We guarded them really well in the second half, holding them to 34% and we were plus
7 in the second half for rebounds,” said coach Richards regarding the second half.
The Braves travel to Young Harris on Saturday at 4 p.m. for an in-conference game.