Men’s Basketball overcomes adversity with a win over the Bears
WEST POINT, Ga. (Dec. 30, 2023) - The Point University Men's Basketball Team returned to the court after Christmas break for a Saturday evening nonconference matchup against Truett-McConnell University in a classic battle where the Skyhawks sealed the game to win 58-57.
Joshua Scott got the first half going with a layup in the paint with an assist from Justice Hayes. The Skyhawks followed with a familiar face in John Williams scoring on the mid-range jumper in his season debut. The early run continued as Sam Rees converted on the three-point play to increase Point's lead to 7-0. The Skyhawks' offense added to the hot start as Mike Evans finished through the contact for the layup and Justice Hayes added a three-pointer to lead 12-2. The Bears responded with the following six points to trail by four but the Skyhawks stretched their lead back to double digits by scoring the next three baskets. A smooth layup from Justice Hayes pushed the lead to 20-8 which was followed by Joshua Scott and Sam Rees getting to their signature spots for the following four points. Truett-McConnell ended the half by scoring their following six points to trail 24-19 at the half.
John Williams opened the second half with a mid-range jumper which forced a quick timeout for the Bears. Mike Evans and Sam Rees began to cook with fire in the second half as Evans scored on a signature jumper in the West Point Gymnasium. Rees followed with his second three-pointer and a layup to extend the lead to 33-24. The momentum shifted to Truett-McConnell as the Bears added a tip-in and three-pointer to trail by four. Sam Rees and Mike Evans responded with consecutive scores to bring Point ahead with a score of 40-33. A 12-4 run from the Bears put Truett McConnell in the lead by one but Mike Evans responded with a layup and jump shot to match the intensity. The Bears added their biggest lead of the game with a score of 54-48 which saw Mike Evans convert on the three-pointer to bring the deficit to three points with two minutes left. The Bears continued to keep their lead intact as Truett McConnell added the layup but two made free throws from Mike Evans helped keep the game within three points. With under 30 seconds left, the Skyhawks had to foul which caused the Bears to go 1-for-2 at the charity stripe to lead 57-53. With Point looking to find a quick score, Joshua Scott was fouled on the layup attempt which saw Scott go 1-for-2 from the free throw line as Point trailed 57-54 with 13 seconds left. Justice Hayes crashed the boards on the missed free throw as Point called a timeout to try to draw the perfect play. Point continued their high percentage of converting as Mike Evans added two made free throws to have the Skyhawks now trailing by one with four seconds left. As the Skyhawks committed the foul, Truett McConnell missed the crucial free throw which saw Kenton Steele grab the rebound to try to create a game-winner but would be fouled in the process. With the game on the line, Kenton Steele converted on the first free throw to tie the game at 57 which caused the Bears to call a timeout with hopes of freezing Steele in the big moment. As both teams came out of their huddles, Kenton Steele put the nail finishing touch on the game-winning free throw which saw the Skyhawks take the win over the Bears with a final score of 58-57.
In the Box
Mike Evans led with 22 Points, nine rebounds, seven assists, and one steal. Sam Rees followed with 14 Points, two rebounds, and one blocked shot.
Up Next
The Skyhawks will return to the West Point Park Gymnasium for a SSAC matchup against Blue Mountain Christian University on Thursday, January 4 starting at 7:30 P.M.