Box Score RALEIGH, N.C. – Perimeter shooting and defense have keyed the recent success of the Saint Augustine's University men's basketball team.
The Falcons relied on both in a 66-62 win over crosstown rival Shaw University at packed Spaulding Gymnasium on Saturday, January 24, 2015. The victory was the second straight and the third in four games for the resurging Falcons, who are limiting opponents to 63.6 points in their last three wins.
Guards Raheem Jolliffe (Sr./Fayetteville, NC) and Anthony Gaskins (So./Greenville, NC) provided the shooting. They combined to make 11 of 21 three-pointers for the Falcons, who hit 12 of 26 three-pointers as a team for 46 percent. Jolliffe scored a game-high 22 points and Gaskins added 15 points to go with seven assists. Both the Bears' and Falcons' fans were wowed by the shooting exhibition of the backcourt duo. Jolliffe was 6 of 11 and Gaskins was 5 of 10 behind the three-point arc.
The Falcons were sizzling behind the three-point arc from the outset. Twelve of their first 14 points were three-pointers. The treys kept the Falcons in contention as they trailed the Bears 36-29 at halftime.
The Falcons turned up the intensity on defense in the second half. The Bears scored the first three points for a 10-point lead, but the Falcons took over from that point. A three-pointer by Gaskins and two free throws by Jolliffe capped an 18-4 run for a 47-43 Falcons' lead.
The Bears lead briefly, but the Falcons built a 62-55 lead with 33 seconds left. Victory was not assured, however, until guard Nick Tennell (Jr./Port St. Lucie, FL) drained two free throws with seven seconds left. Forward Quincy January (Fr./Atlanta, GA) provided an inside presence for the Falcons with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Once again, the high-flying forward had a few highlight-reel dunks. Tennell added nine points including the game-clinching free throws. Guard Keith Crawford (Redshirt Jr./Richmond, VA) dished out eight assists and forward Nick Moyer (Jr./Martinsville, VA) grabbed six rebounds. The Falcons were nearly flawless offensively, handing out 19 assists with only six turnovers. They forced 13 Shaw turnovers which led to 12 points.
The Bears outshot the Falcons 44 percent to 39 percent but were only 9 of 23 from the floor for 39 percent in the second half. Scoring leader Larry Richardson of the Bears was held to seven points by the Falcons' defense. The Falcons made 48 percent of their shots in the second half as they outscored the Bears 37-26.
Koron Reed scored 18 points and Jamar Cooper added 17 points for the Bears. Joe Reid pulled down 12 rebounds.
Coaches from both teams supported the Coaches vs. Cancer Suits and Sneakers Awareness Week. They wore tennis shoes to bring awareness to cancer and the fight against cancer.
The Falcons will attempt to stretch their win streak when they host Livingstone College at Emery Gymnasium on Wednesday, January 28. Game time is 7:30 p.m.
