BABSON PARK, Fla. – The Thomas University Men's basketball team witnessed a special moment Thursday night, as the team defeated the Webber International Warriors 69-64 to give Head T.J. Rines his first-ever win as a Head Coach.
 
The Night Hawks (1-4, 1-1 TSC) defense shut down Webber's 3-Pt. Field Goal Offense, limiting the Warriors to just under 18%.  Offensively, TU shot the rock well, converting 47.1% from the field, 35.7% long-range, and 84.2% on free throws.   
 
WIU (2-4, 0-1 TSC) controlled the first five minutes of the game, jumping out to a 13-5 lead.  The Night Hawks quickly diminished Webber's lead, tying the game at 18 with a good free throw basket from Junior Guard Trint Bryant at the 7:41 mark. 
 
One minute and 13 seconds later, Junior Forward Shamar Brown gave Thomas its first lead of the night at 20-19.  Brown's basket ignited a 15-4 scoring run that lasted 5:17. Webber would finish out the first half with five, unanswered points to give TU a tight 33-28 lead heading into the locker room.
 
The second half proved to be very balanced for both teams, as each squad accumulated 36 second-half points.  WIU kept the pressure on TU, but the Night Hawks would trade baskets to maintain its slim lead.   
 
Thomas would see its lead extend to double digits when Shamar Brown would capitalize on a layup in the paint with 6:57 left in the game.  For a second time, Brown's basket would start another scoring drive, 7-0, that would last three minutes.
 
Up by 17 with 3:58 remaining, TU changed its strategy, playing conservatively and controlling the clock.  The Warriors took advantage of the Hunter Green & White's cruise control, roaring back late with a few fast break points and layups.  Despite the comeback, a pair of good free throws from Junior Guard Jordan Booker iced the game and secured the 69-64 win.
 
Shamar Brown had a breakout performance, leading all scorers with 17 points, shooting 60% from the field while going 4-for-4 from the charity stripe.  Jordan Booker and Junior Guard Trint Bryant joined Brown in the double-digit category, scoring 16 and 13 points, respectively.    
 
The Night Hawks return home Saturday to take on Coastal Georgia.  Tipoff at TU Gymnasium is slated for 4 p.m.
 
For up-to-date information on this game and other TU Athletics, visit http://www.TUNightHawks.com. Stay up-to-date with news, scores, photos, game summaries, play-by-play, and feature stories of your TU men's basketball team by following them via Twitter at @NightHawksMBKB.