Fans at Bruce Johnson Hall on Saturday evening could not believe their eyes as the LeMoyne-Owen College men’s basketball team lost to Spring Hill College by just one point (67-66).
What made it so unbelievable was that just two hours before, the Lady Magicians lost to SHC by just one point.
After the women lost their game, the men were hoping for a different result, obviously to get the win not only for themselves but for the fans who previously cheered the ladies on. But Spring Hill came to Memphis for serious business and to take the win back to Mobile, Ala. at all cost.
There were high emotions during this game because it was an SIAC conference match up and both teams were trying to get a win to increase their confidence before the SIAC tournament.
This was the next-to-last game game for both LOC and SHC.
On Tuesday, LOC will face oMiles College while SHC will do battle against Tuskegee University.
Before the start of the game, it seemed that any one of these teams could be victorious as they both were tied with 7-11 conference records.
LOC’s men’s coach William Anderson believes in starting the game at a quick speed to control the game and get points on the board early on.
That strategy worked in the first half, as the Magicians hit 48 percent of their buckets (13 for 27), proving their control on the offensive end.
In the second half, SHC changed the pace of their game and controlled ball possession. Both teams struggled at the 3-point line, but the Badgers were able to edge out LOC by 2. The magicians were 2-7 while Badgers were 4-15.
The game was tight all the way to the end, with the score tied seven times. But, it was Spring Hill’s free throw shooting that factored into its win. For the night, they were 11-16, making an impressive 7-8 free throws in the first half.
The Booker brothers dominated the scoring for LOC. Jordan Booker scored 15 points, including three 3-pointers. He did not miss a shot. Each one of those 3s got the crowd on their feet to cheer him on.
His brother Devin Booker and Toriano Stokes each added 14 points.
Spring Hill’s Gresyn Rogers was the game’s top scorer with 17 points.
NOTES:
- LOC’s men and women will play Miles College on Tuesday (Feb. 25) at Bruce Johnson Hall. Tip-off is 7:30 pm.
- After the Miles College game, Coach Anderson will prepare his team for the SIAC tournament in Rock Hill, S. Car. March 2-7.
