H. AUSTILL PHARR GYMNASIUM | MOBILE, Ala. - Three days after opening the 2023-24 season with a 28-point victory over NCCAA member Pensacola Christian College (Fla.), the University of Mobile Men's Basketball returned to the court on Monday night, Oct. 30 for the first NAIA matchup of the year. The Rams hosted Southern University of New Orleans (La.) on Monday and defeated the Knights 94-60, outscoring SUNO 49-29 in the second half to seal the victory.
Mobile begins the season 2-0 following the victory over SUNO, with two tough games on the horizon.
Game Recap: Mobile's Offense Catches Fire
Mobile and SUNO traded scores early to open the game on Monday night in front of a packed Pharr Gymnasium, but saw the Rams work an 8-0 run with just over 13 minutes left to build momentum offensively. SUNO hung around throughout the first 10 minutes, but the Mobile offense sparked and eventually took a 45-31 lead to halftime. Throughout the first half, Mobile made 20 of 38 shots from the floor, shooting just under 60%. Junior DaMariee Jones tallied 14 points alone through the half to lead all scorers.
In the second half, Mobile's offensive momentum continued to shine as the Rams managed to extend the lead to 39 points at one point in the half. SUNO had no answers for Mobile's offense as Mobile Head Coach Darnell Archey saw five of his players finish with double-digit point totals, led by DaMariee Jones with 22. Jones added 11 rebounds for his first double-double of the season. Ezra McKenna joined Jones in recording a double-double, finishing with a game-high 14 rebounds and 17 points. Eight of McKenna's 14 rebounds came on the offensive side as the Rams tallied 17 second chance points in the game.
Pooh Frazier continued his hot start to the 2023-24 season, recording 18 points on Monday after scoring 16 in the season opener. He added six rebounds against SUNO. Treylan Smith notched 14 points in 18 minutes of playing time off the bench, joining Frazier in recording six rebounds. Mobile's point guard duo of Joshua Williams and PJ King led the Rams with six assists a piece.
As a team, the Rams out-rebounded the Knights of SUNO 49-42, all while finishing with a 52% shooting percentage throughout the game. Meanwhile, SUNO only managed to shoot 33% from the floor, adding a 47% free throw percentage
SSAC v. SUN Conference Challenge
With Mobile securing two wins to open the season, the Rams are set for the first road test in the annual SSAC v. SUN Conference Challenge. Mobile will travel to Lakeland, Fla. for this year's conference v. conference tournament, battling host-school Southeastern University (Fla.) on Thursday, Nov. 4 at 4:00 p.m. CT. The following day, Mobile will face St. Thomas University (Fla.) for a 6:30 p.m. CT tip. St. Thomas ranks No. 11 in the NAIA, while Southeastern is receiving votes for entry in the top 25. All games will be broadcasted live HERE.
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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.
