Perhaps it was overconfidence that lulled Blue Lights into a lethargic start on Tuesday night in Apex. After all, it was just five days before that the Thoroughbreds had manhandled Virginia University of Lynchburg on the road for a runaway 100-75 victory, and logic would dictate that they should be able to ease into a win over this same squad again. But the Dragons did not buy into that aesthetic, using an active defense and the fast break to catch BLC off guard before the home team mounted a comeback to claim an 82-68 win.
BLC (7-9) played a truly uninspired first half, turning the ball over often to VUL's scrappy zone defense. The Dragons converted those turnovers to points and raced to a 9-4 lead before the Herd clawed back, taking the lead for the first time 15-13 at the 9:00 minute mark of the half. The Dragons (2-5) were not to going away that easily, however, and dominated the rebounding in generating a 15-3 spurt. BLC was cold for the rest of the half and trailed 37-28 at the break.
Whatever Thoroughbreds coach Mario Pharr said at halftime must have gotten through to his troops, who came out of the locker room with a different look. Playing the uptempo style that is more their norm, the Horses scored the first nine points of the second half within 70 seconds, tying the game with quickness on both ends of the court. Devon Allicott and Jawan Browder took control of the boards, allowing VUL just one shot on most trips downcourt and allowing the Thoroughbreds to pull away by as many as 16 points.
Kenny Anderson led the BLC charge offensively, scoring 13 of his 15 points in the second half. Five Thoroughbreds finished in double figures, including Allicott (12), Browder (11), Chris Dickey and Vic Ngong (10 each). VUL's Dominique Williams led all scorers with 22.
The Lights will travel to Winston-Salem on Saturday to visit Carolina Christian College before returning to Hope Community Church next Tuesday to host Appalachian Bible.
