Second Half adjustments propels Men’s Basketball over the Knights

WEST POINT, Ga. (Nov. 9, 2023) - The Point University Men's Basketball team returned to the court at the West Point Park Gymnasium for a Thursday night nonconference game against Southern University at New Orleans where the Skyhawks took the win 67-56. 

The first half began with Point taking a 6-0 lead as Myles McClain scored the first two layups which was followed by a score from Jacob Crockett. Point continued their early start as Kenton Steele crashed the boards for a layup to have the Skyhawks leading 9-2. Southern University continued to face challenges in the paint as Kenton Steele and Theron Montgomery added the following two layups for Point. The Knights had no answer on the following two possessions as Point added two scored layups from Kenton Steele to lead 17-6. The Knights started to battle back with scoring the next four baskets but Point brought their lead back to double digits with a three-pointer from Myles McClain. Sam Rees entered the fray with a made layup to respond to the Knights' potential run by extending the lead to 26-15. The Knights ended the half on an 8-3 run to trail 29-23 at the half. 

Southern University at New Orleans started the half with an and-one layup and a made free throw to bring the game within three points. A 1-for-2 opportunity at the line for Myles McClain and a layup from Joshua Scott saw Point start to get their offensive rhythm back to start the new half. The Knights did not go away easy as a made three-pointer brought the score to 35-33 followed by SUNO taking their first lead of the game. Justice Hayes would convert on the four-point play to wipe away the lead from the Knights. Kenton Steele and Mike Evans took the following two possessions to score for the Skyhawks to extend the lead to 43-38. Evans followed with a layup assisted by Cameron Wickline. Point continued to work their way on the inside game as Sam Rees scored on the smooth layup to the lane for a 47-40 lead. Rees would create a stop on the defensive end as he scored off the steal he forced. Point brought their lead to 10 as Sam Rees and Joshua Scott scored the following two baskets for the Skyhawks. The Knights continued to fight back as the game was cut back to single digits with a score of 56-48. Sam Rees and Joshua Scott were at it again using their strength in the paint to convert the following two scores. Point kept their foot on the gas as Theron Montgomery converted on the dunk which was followed by a layup from Kenton Steele. The Skyhawks sealed the game by making their final three scores from the charity stripe to win 67-56. 

In the Box 

Joshua Scott led with 13 Points, eight rebounds, two steals and one block. Kenton Steele followed with 12 Points, 10 rebounds, two steals and one block. Myles McClain added 11 points, five rebounds and three assists. 

Up Next 

Point will return to the West Point Gymnasium for a nonconference battle against Southeastern University on Saturday, November 11th starting at 4:00 P.M.