DAYTONA BEACH – In an intense showdown, the Southern Tigers pulled off a thrilling comeback against Bethune-Cookman, winning 77-73 at Moore Gymnasium. This defeat marked the Wildcats’ first loss at home and their first in conference play.
In the first half, the Wildcats had a flying start, jumping to a 12-1 lead. Tyler Andrews sparked the team with two three-pointers while the defense effectively held Southern at bay. Although Southern gradually fought back and briefly took the lead at 24-23, Bethune-Cookman once again regained control, ending the half strong by outscoring the Tigers 21-12. B-CU shot an impressive 50% from the floor, while Southern struggled, hitting only 32.4%.
As the second half unfolded, the Wildcats seemed poised to secure the game. Doctor Bradley’s free throw gave them their biggest lead at 55-44. But Southern worked hard to disrupt BCU’s momentum, executing aggressive defense that led to eight steals and ten offensive rebounds.
With just under six minutes left, Michael Jacobs put Southern ahead. Although Arterio Morris tied the score with three minutes to go, Southern’s resilience shone through as they made critical plays down the stretch. In stark contrast, B-CU managed only ten field goals in the second half, shooting a dismal 14.3% from beyond the arc.
Highlights and Stats:
- Jakobi and Quentin Heady scored 38 of B-CU’s points.
- Michael Jacobs led Southern with 20 points.
- Southern managed to win despite holding the lead for only 4:23 during the game.
- The teams combined for a staggering 51 free-throw attempts.
- Southern’s effort on the boards paid off, as they recorded a season-high of 17 offensive rebounds.
Looking ahead, Bethune-Cookman will embark on their first SWAC road trip to face Mississippi Valley State and Arkansas-Pine Bluff. They’ll start with a game against the Delta Devils on Saturday at 5 p.m.
Expert Opinion: Sports analysts suggest that strong second-half performances can often be pivotal in college basketball. According to a recent study by the NCAA, teams that outscore opponents in the second half win about 75% of the time. This statistic underscores the importance of stamina and strategy as games progress.
User Reactions: Fans took to social media to express their excitement, with many praising Southern for their determination. Hashtags like #SouthernComesBack trended during the game, showcasing the team spirit among supporters.
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