BLC NEARLY PULLS OFF UPSET AGAINST D-2 ST. AUGUSTINE’S UNIVERSITY

BLC traveled just 20 miles down I-440 to play the 2010 CIAA Men’s Basketball Champions, the St. Augustine’s University (SAU)Falcons. The Falcons, a solid NCAA Division II program with NBA Champion Chucky Brown as head coach, would surely have little concern about matching up with the small college out of Apex. This game from tip off would show that Coach Adams had no plans of treating this as an organized practice game for Falcons in front of packed crowd at Emery Gym. The Thoroughbreds jumped out to an early lead controlling much of the first half. Wol Yak gets in his rhythm mid way as Sam Benton Jr. controlled the tempo of the first half putting on a show of his own wowing all viewers, including an impressive crossover jumper from well beyond the arc with foul, score the basket. SAU would put together a few spark runs of their own but never could fly over the gap to take over the game as the Thoroughbreds would lead at the half, 34-31.

The second half stride of the Thoroughbreds continued as the lead would stretch to 53-46 with 14:10 left in the game. Wol Yak nailing several three pointers to quiet the Falcons fans as the Thoroughbreds pull out to a commanding lead of 12 points with eight minutes left in regulation. The Falcons would finally spread their wings putting together solid runs down the stretch. SAG finally takes the lead at the five minute mark. The highest lead for the Falcons would be five. The Thoroughbreds would cut the lead to two points Miigwaan Barrientoz nails a three pointer with just under three minutes left in the contest.
The Falcons would miss on their next possession as the Thoroughbreds have a chance as the ball is tipped around. However, the Falcons eventually regain possession and pulls the ball out to milk the clock to head to a survival finish. After a quick foul by the Thoroughbreds, the Falcons make 1-2 from the free throw line, score 82-79. After a Nolan Adams timeout, Benton attempts a three pointer from the behind the top of the key heavily guarded by two defenders. After contact he falls to the ground but does not get the call from officials. The Falcons rebound and get fouled with .1 of a second left on the clock. The Falcons would make 1-2 and the game ends as the Falcons escape the upset, final score, 83-79.
Wol Yak with a double double and leads all scorers with 26 points and collects 10 rebounds. Sam Benton Jr. with 23 points as Barrientoz and Moreno both chip in 8 points a piece. The Falcons with good balanced scoring featuring the hot hand off the bench, George Jones recording a double double, 21 points and 10 rebounds. Chris Hill with 15 points and Nemo Johnson with 13 points.
The Herd would end the game with 19 turnovers with three coming at a crucial point down the final stretch. The Thoroughbreds however leave Emery gym and travel back to Apex feeling great about their performance against Chucky Brown’s Falcons. The Thoroughbreds are now 0-2 heading into their next match up on Tuesday, November 15th in Apex against the Cardinals of Central International College. Tip off 7:00 p.m.