Greeneville, Tenn. – Limestone men's basketball took a big win over Tusculum in a comeback on the road in a South Atlantic Conference game with the final score of 73-70. Limestone improves to a record of (6-7, 3-6 SAC), and the Pioneers fall to a record of (3-10, 3-6 SAC).
Key Players
· Sirr Hughes (Cleveland Heights, Ohio) led the team with 21 points, shooting 8-20 from the field and 4-12 from three-point range.
· Trevon Payton (Lilburn, Ga.) had a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
· Greg McKay (Nassau, Bahamas) also contributed a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
· Isayah Owens (Inman, S.C.) and Emmanuel Okogie (Atlanta, Ga.) both scored 10 points each.
STORY OF THE GAME:
First Half:
· Tusculum jumped to an early nine-point lead.
· McKay opened the scoring for the Saints with a strong finish in the paint, making it 2-11.
· Okogie drained a three-pointer from the top of the key, cutting the lead to 7-15.
· Isayah Owens hit a mid-range jumper, reducing the deficit to 9-20.
· Okogie hit another three-pointer, keeping the Saints in the game at 10-24.
· With less than three minutes remaining, the Pioneers connected on two free throws, extending their lead to 17 points.
· Payton made a layup to end the first half, with the Saints trailing 21-36.
Second Half:
· The Pioneers opened the second half with a basket.
· Limestone responded with an 8-point run, reducing the Pioneers' lead to 11.
· Both teams traded baskets midway through the second half.
· The Saints cut the lead to four when Hughes connected on a free throw, making it 39-40.
· Hughes and Payton added a three-pointer and two free throws, bringing the score to 54-57.
· Owens tied the game at 64 with two made free throws.
· Limestone built a 5-point lead late in the game with another three-pointer from Hughes.
· Despite Tusculum's efforts in the final minute, Limestone pulled away with a 73-70 victory.
Up Next: Limestone returned home Wednesday, January 8th against UVA-Wise starting at 7:30 p.m..
