Skyhawks' late comeback held off by UT Southern

WEST POINT, Ga. (Oct. 28, 2022) - The Point University men's basketball team opened their 2022-23 campaign inside the West Point Park Gymnasium against UT Southern in a nonconference matchup Thursday night and fell 74-70. 

The Firehawks jumped ahead with a quick lead of 20-6 early in the first half, but the Skyhawks shook off their slow start as the turning point came into the middle of the first half after RJ Selman helped rally the Skyhawks with quick shots to cut into UT Southern's lead. After a miss from the Firehawks, Jake Smith grabbed the rebound to find Javier Turner wide-open for the slam dunk to bring the score to 29-17. Following UT Southern's timeout, the Firehawks continued to hold their lead until Ben Ross started to catch his rhythm to help Point cut into UT Southern's lead with a score of 32-22. As the first half ended, the Skyhawks continued to show signs of light as they cut the Firehawks' lead to nine points after a floater made by Sam Rees to bring the score 36-27 at halftime. 

UT Southern started the half draining a trio of threes, but the Skyhawks elevated their play with RJ Selman and Ben Ross leading the way. A three from Selman helped add a spark to Point's second half, which followed stops on the defensive end for Point. With the Skyhawks trailing 56-52, Jake Smith found Justice Hayes for a three-pointer in the corner, which Hayes made while also being fouled. The made free throw tied the game, and both teams would trade baskets to keep the game tied for a bit. With eight minutes remaining, Point took their first lead with a made layup from Javier Turner. With Point in the lead 62-61, The Firehawks finally stopped their three-minute scoring drought after a mid-range shot from UT Southern. Now ahead by three, RJ Selman made two free throws from the charity strike to cut their deficit to one. Javier Turner made another layup to put Point ahead 66-65. The Firehawks jumped back into the lead once more after two made free throws. With under two minutes left, UT Southern added to their lead with an offensive rebound to now lead 69-66. Jack Gray was fouled to and sent to the line, which resulted in him making both free throws, now having the Skyhawks trailing by one. Under the final minute, UT Southern made another shot in the post to jump ahead by three. A missed three-pointer from Selman squandered the opportunity for a tie which caused Point to have to foul. The Firehawks would only convert for one free throw at the line, which allowed Point to score another mid-range shot by Gray. The Firehawks finished the game with two made free throws to win the game 74-70. 

In the box 

Benjamin Ross and RJ Selman led the Skyhawks in points, with Ross scoring 27 points with six rebounds and Selman scoring 18 points with six rebounds. Jake Smith showed his floor general ways by getting his teammates involved with 12 assists from him. Javier Turner finished with nine points, four rebounds, and one blocked shot. 

Up next 

The Skyhawks will return to the court for a road matchup on Saturday, Oct. 29, against the University of Mobile in a nonconference game. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM EST.