RALEIGH, N.C. (Jan. 28) – Saint Augustine's University (SAU) battled Johnson C. Smith University into overtime, but the Falcons fell in the extra period 73-68 in a CIAA men's basketball contest at Emery Gymnasium on Monday, Jan. 27.
SAU was a three-pointer away from tying the game, but the Golden Bulls came up with a steal and layup in the final seconds to dash the Falcons' hopes. The loss ended a two-game winning streak for the Falcons.
Gary Jefferson (Jr./Baltimore, MD) scored 13 points for the Falcons, who scored 26 points in the paint. Jalen Gaddy (Sr./Raleigh, NC) and Nilous Hodge (So./Charlotte, NC) both added 11 points and Hirk Williams (Sr./Manassas, VA) contributed nine points.
The Falcons started slowly in overtime, falling behind 68-62 after two three-pointers by the Golden Bulls. A layup by Donte Edwards (So./Durham, NC), a three-pointer by Williams and a free throw by Hodge got the Falcons within 69-68 with 41 seconds left. The Golden Bulls made two free throws for a 71-68 lead with 16.5 seconds remaining before the Falcons' ill-fated turnover.
The Falcons had a shot to win in regulation, but missed a deep three-pointer as time expired. They led 62-59 after a three by Hodge with 1:15 left, but the Golden Bulls answered with a trey at the 31.7 mark.
SAU led by 10 early in the second half on a Jefferson jumper. The Golden Bulls rallied to take the lead and the contest was a back-and-forth affair from that point.
The Falcons built a 10-point lead in the first half. They went into halftime ahead 35-29.
Nenad Milenkovic scored 19 points to pace four double-figure scorers for the Golden Bulls (7-3 CIAA, 13- 5 overall), who connected on 14 of 25 three-point attempts for 56 percent. Trevor Lewis and Chaz Gwen had 14 points apiece and Austin Nelson contributed 12 points.
The Falcons (2-7 CIAA, 7-12 overall) are back at home for the third straight game on Wednesday, Jan. 29. They host Claflin University at Emery Gymnasium starting at 7:30 p.m.
