H. AUSTILL PHARR GYMNASIUM, MOBILE, Ala. - In the SSAC Men's Basketball Game of the Week, the University of Mobile Men's Basketball team hosted conference rival William Carey on Thursday night, Jan. 12 in front of a packed Pharr Gymnasium, and eventually defeated the Crusaders, 76-61. Mobile's comfortable win over William Carey gives the Rams 10 wins on the season, improving the overall record to 10-6 and 5-4 in SSAC action.
Rams Crush the Crusaders
Despite a back and forth contest early in the first half, Mobile began running away with the game with just under seven minutes remaining until halftime against their rival. William Carey's Casey Smith managed to hit a three-pointer as time expired to cut Mobile's lead to single digits at the break, but the Rams still led by eight at the half, 32-24.
In the second half, the Rams led for the entire half, with their largest lead of the game extending to 18 points. The Crusaders found an offensive run later in the half, making things interesting, and cut the Mobile lead to just four points with 7:39 remaining. However, a well-used timeout by Mobile Head Coach Darnell Archey got his team rolling on the offensive side again, and the William Carey threat quickly ceased. The Rams went on the win by 15 at 76-61.
Mobile dominated the rebound battle against William Carey, securing 36 total rebounds compared to the Crusaders' 23. Additionally, 11 of Mobile's 36 boards were on the offensive side, creating second chance opportunities. Mobile scored 21 second chance points in the game.
As a team, Mobile shot above 50% at 54.7% from the field in the win, and shot 40% from the three-point line. The Rams tallied 12 made free throws in 19 attempts, with Ezra McKenna finishing 9-for-11 at the line. McKenna notched 30 points in the win, leading all scorers and secured 11 rebounds, marking his 11th double-double of the season. McKenna has scored at least 30 points twice this season, with his career-high 34 points coming on Dec. 17 against Brewton-Parker College. On the season, McKenna is averaging a double-double with 16.7 points per game and 10.4 rebounds per contest. He is the reigning SSAC Men's Basketball Player of the Week.
Pooh Frazier followed McKenna with a solid offensive night, totaling 23 points in the win. Frazier was lights out from deep, making five three-point shots in the victory. He has now scored over 20 points in four of Mobile's last six games, while averaging just under 14 points per game on the season. DaMariee Jones followed Frazier and McKenna with 12 points on Thursday, also averaging just under 14 points per game. Both Jones and Frazier were two rebounds away from a double-double.
Rams Meet the Toppers
Mobile's next game is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 14 as the Rams face the Blue Mountain Christian University Toppers in Blue Mountain, Miss. Saturday's game is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. CT as Mobile looks to make it back-to-back conference victories on the week.
About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.
For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
