LAKELAND, Fla. - The University of Mobile Men's Basketball team concluded play in the annual SSAC v. SUN Conference Challenge in Lakeland, Fla. on Friday, Nov. 3, finishing 1-1 in the two-day tournament. No. 22 Mobile opened the tournament with a 78-75 loss to host-school Southeastern University (Fla.) on Thursday evening, but followed the first loss of the season nicely with an impressive 21-point victory over No. 11 St. Thomas University (Fla.) on Friday, defeating the Bobcats, 81-60. Friday's win over the 11th-ranked team in the NAIA is arguably one of Mobile's top wins in the last decade.
The 1-1 effort in this year's SSAC v. SUN Conference Tournament improves Mobile's overall record to 3-1 this season under fifth-year head coach Darnell Archey.
Thursday Games Notes: (22) Mobile v. (RV) Southeastern - 75-78
- The Fire are receiving votes for entry in the NAIA Top 25, while Mobile opened the year ranked No. 22.
- The loss to Southeastern is Mobile's first loss on the 2023-24 season after opening 2-0.
- The Rams shot 41% from the floor in the defeat, while making eight three-point shots.
- Southeastern managed a 54% shooting line, adding a 50% mark from three and 62% free throw percentage.
- Mobile was led by Joshua Williams, who tallied a season-high 25 points, adding four rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
- Williams finished 10-for-18 from the floor, while DaMariee Jones made seven of 14 shots for 16 points.
- Southeastern was led by Makai Vassell and Joshua Blazques who eached tallied 18 points in the upset victory.
- The Fire out-rebounded the Rams, 40-35.
Friday Game Notes: (22) Mobile v. (11) St. Thomas - 81-60
- Mobile outscored the Bobcats of St. Thomas 45-31 in the second half to seal the upset win.
- The Rams managed a 48% shooting percentage as a team, finishing 11-for-18 from the free throw line.
- For St. Thomas, the Bobcats only shot 38% as a team and made only eight of 28 three-point attempts.
- Treylan Smith led all players from off Mobile's bench, tallying 20 points in 25 minutes of playing time, adding four rebounds and a block.
- Ezra McKenna followed Smith with his second double-double of the season, finishing with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
- Mobile saw five players finish with double-digit point totals, while St. Thomas only saw one player finish with double-digits, tallying 12 points.
- The win over St. Thomas for Mobile improves the all-time record against the Bobcats to 3-0.
Next on the Schedule
Following an exhibition game against the University of South Alabama on Monday, Nov. 6, Mobile's next regular season game is set for Wednesday, Nov. 8 against crosstown rival Spring Hill College (Ala.) in Pharr Gymnasium. Wednesday's game is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. CT against the Badgers.
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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.
