Thomasville, GA | The Thomas University men's basketball team (9-11, 7-6 SSAC) dropped an SSAC match-up against the Crusaders of William Carey University (9-11, 7-6 SSAC) on Saturday afternoon.
In the Night Hawks' first possession of the contest, a Jailin Lee jumper would intend to set the tone for the Thomas offense. On the following possession, the Crusaders would quickly settle in and take possession of the lead. The Crusaders would remain in control of the lead for nine minutes, until a Jailin Lee layup would tie the score at 18 a piece. The Crusaders would then capitalize on a trio of scoring opportunities from the free throw line to regain possession of the lead. With under eight minutes remaining in the first half, a Deonta Jones layup would give the Night Hawks a one-point advantage, 22-21. However, the Crusaders would follow with an 8-0 run to lead the Night Hawks, 29-22, at the five-minute mark. The Crusaders would maintain this lead, until Andre Lightbourne would sink a three pointer in Thomas' final possession of the first half to send the Night Hawks into the break holding a 38-36 lead.
Upon their return from the break, the Night Hawks would initially seem to pick up where they left off. In Thomas' first possession of the second half, an Andre Lightbourne layup would extend their advantage to four points. However, three minutes into the half, the Crusaders would begin a 18-0 run that would create a 15-point advantage, 60-45. The Crusaders would continue to capitalize on several scoring opportunities, and would lead by as much as 32 points in the second half. The Night Hawks would not be able to recover, and the Crusaders would take the victory, 98-69.
Jailin Lee would lead all Night Hawks with 22 points while also contributing 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Tyson Anderson would supply 17 points and 5 rebounds. Joshua Robertson would add 15 points. Deonta Jones would lead the Night Hawks in assists (4) and steals (4), while Andre Lightbourne would lead in rebounds (6).
NEXT UP: The Night Hawks will return to action seeking redemption on January, 31st in an SSAC match-up with the Knights of Middle Georgia State University. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM in Cochran, Ga.
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
