Rally Falls Short For Falcons In Men's Basketball Loss To Johnson C. Smith

Box Score

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Anthony Gaskins (Jr./Greenville, NC) scored a season-high 28 points for Saint Augustine's University, which nearly pulled off a big road win in a 78-76 CIAA men's basketball loss to Johnson C. Smith University at Brayboy Gymnasium on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2016.

The Falcons almost overcame a 10-point deficit in the last seven minutes, but missed an open three-pointer on the wing as time expired. Gaskins, who has been battling injuries all season, returned to form against Golden Bulls. He scored 19 points in the second half including 10 points during a 20-9 run which enabled the Falcons to climb back within one twice after trailing 67-57.

His layup got the Falcons within one point at 77-76 with 20 seconds remaining. After a free throw by the Golden Bulls, the Falcons had two chances to either tie or take the lead. They were whistled for traveling on the first possession but still had a shot after the Golden Bulls missed two free throws with five seconds left. The potential game-winning three-pointer failed to go down for the Falcons, however.

TURNING POINT
The turning point was actually before the contest when Head Coach MarQus Johnson changed his rotation. Devin Derry (Fr./Acworth, GA) and Antonio Watson (Fr./Raleigh, NC) started and Jeremy Saunders (Jr./Hampton, VA) played heavy minutes. Gaskins, who was coming off the bench while recovering from injuries, also started. The moves paid off as the Falcons played with enthusiasm and intensity throughout the game. They nearly stole a road win in Brayboy Gymnasium, one of the toughest places to play in the country. The 76 points were the most since the Falcons dropped 90 in a victory over William Peace University on Dec. 5, 2015, a span of 10 games.

FALCONS' TOP PLAYERS
Anthony Gaskins: The junior guard found his touch against the Golden Bulls. He was 10-for-18 from the field including 4-for-8 behind the three-point arc. He was the go-to player for the Falcons down the stretch. Gaskins swished two three-pointers for a 6-2 Falcons' lead which was an indication of what was to come.

Jeremy Saunders (Hampton, VA): The junior guard complemented Gaskins on the perimeter with 19 points on 6-for-10 shooting including 5-for-7 from three-point land. His point total tied a season-high.

Quincy January (Atlanta, GA): The high-flying sophomore forward was a force again inside for the Falcons. He finished with 13 points on 5-for-10 shooting and added 12 rebounds.

Antonio Watson (Raleigh, NC): The freshman guard made an impact in his third start of the season. He totaled eight points and eight rebounds.

Devin Derry (Acworth, GA): Though he did not score, Derry was tough on the boards with eight rebounds in his fourth start.

RECORDS
The Falcons 5-13 overall, 0-8 CIAA, 0-2 Southern Division; Johnson C. Smith 9-8 overall, 4-4 CIAA, 2-0 Southern Division.

BY THE NUMBERS
8 – The number of double-doubles recorded by January this season. He entered the game ranked 25^th nationally in Division II in that category.

9 – The number of three-pointers made by the Falcons. Gaskins and Saunders combined to make 9 of 15 shots behind the arc. As a team, the Falcons were 9-for-20 for 45 percent.

16 – The number of second chance points scored by the Falcons, who recorded more offensive rebounds (14-5) than the Golden Bulls. The Falcons won the overall rebounding battle 39-29.

21 – The number of bench points scored by the Falcons. Saunders scored all but two of the points by the reserves.

30 – The number of points scored in the paint by the Falcons.

76.5 – The free throw percentage of the Falcons, who canned 13 of 17 free throw attempts. The Golden Bulls were 15-for-24 for 62.5 percent.

GOLDEN BULLS' TOP PLAYERS
Stedmon Lemon: The senior forward led the Golden Bulls with 25 points. He added seven rebounds and seven assists.

Diondre Pratt: The senior guard scored 22 points and pulled down eight rebounds. He made all nine of his free throw attempts in the second half.

NEXT GAME
The Falcons will host crosstown rival Shaw University at Emery Gymnasium in Raleigh, N.C., on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016. Game time is 4 p.m.

Print Friendly Version