Bucs’ Lead Slips Away Late Against Rams
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Huston-Tillotson (1-3, 0-0) | 26 | 45 | 71 |
|
Virgin Islands (0-4) | 30 | 32 | 62 |
ST. THOMAS, V.I. A one-point UVI Men's Basketball lead was upended into a nine-point deficit as visiting Huston-Tillotson University used a 10-1 run to take control of the game late and win, 71-62, on the final day of the UVI HBCU Basketball Classic.
There were nine lead changes and seven ties in this contest. After leading by as many as six points midway through the second quarter, the Buccaneers fell behind by 11 late. UVI was up 57-54 with six minutes remaining before going on a dry spell that allowed the Rams to go on an 8-0 run for a 62-57 advantage. Huston-Tillotson effectively sealed the game with a steal and a dunk, leading to a seven-point lead with nearly 90 ticks left.
For the third consecutive game, Jamal Norris led the team in scoring, this time with 20 points. Will Boyd added a double-double with 11 points and 10 boards.
THE ESSENTIALS
Final Score: Huston-Tillotson University def. The University of the Virgin Islands, 82-63
Records: UVI Men's 0-5; Huston-Tillotson 2-3
Location: UVI Sports & Fitness Center; St. Thomas, V.I.
Date: November 5, 2021
Event: Day 3 of the Inaugural UVI HBCU Basketball Classic, which features 12 games over the course of three days.
HOW IT HAPPENED
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The turnovers came at the worst time (when is there a good time for a turnover though) for UVI. The Buccaneers had turnovers on consecutive possessions and Huston-Tillotson took advantage every time, turning those three turnovers into six points and a 60-57 lead. With 1:31 remaining, another turnover led to a Rams' dunk, extending their lead to 65-58.
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The Rams' Shannon Robinson took over the game late in the game. He scored or assisted on the final eight field goals and he had 15 of his 23 in the second half, plus all four of his steals came in the final frame.
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Leading 49-48, LiWayne Richardson recorded a block before assisting on a Jamari Williams' three-pointer. Williams added a layup on an assist from Norris for the 54-48 lead, UVI's largest of the game. The Buccaneers were up 56-51 once Williams found Norris for a bucket.
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The two teams were trading baskets early in the second half. Norris found Boyd for a basket and the 43-39 lead but the Rams' Jimmie Kelley made threes on back-to-back possessions. Norris countered with a three of his own with an assist credited to Jaren Johnson. Richardson made both ends of his free throws for the 48-45 edge with under 11 minutes remaining. That lead, too, was short-lived as Kelly tied the game with a long-range basket.
STAT FACTS
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Norris added five rebounds and four assists. Jamari Williams had 10 points, five boards, and two assists. Richardson had 11 points, nine rebounds, and recorded three blocks.
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Chris Williams had eight points and eight boards for the bench unit.
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UVI committed 21 turnovers and allowed 13 points off turnovers, both season's best. However, the Rams turned the ball over just eight times, which resulted in them taking 21 more shore attempts than the Buccaneers.
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Both teams shot only 50 percent from the charity stripe but Huston-Tillotson only attempted 16 free throws to the Buccaneers' 28.
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Kelley was a perfect five-for-five from deep. The rest of the Rams shot 4-of-25.
UP NEXT
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The Buccaneers will welcome the University of North Alabama (Division I NCAA) to the UVI Sports & Fitness Center on November 13 at 4 p.m.
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The Buccaneers undertake a three-game-in-three-days road trip, featuring consecutive matchups at Wilberforce on November 18 and November 19 and a trip to Central State on November 20.
