H. AUSTILL PHARR GYMNASIUM | MOBILE, Ala. - For the second time in a span of three days, the University of Mobile Men's Basketball team defeated a crosstown NCAA foe in Mobile, Ala., winning in overtime against Spring Hill College (Ala.) on Wednesday night, Nov. 8. Mobile defeated the Badgers 79-76, coming away with a block at the buzzer in extra time to seal the victory. The win over Spring Hill comes just two days after the Rams upset NCAA D-I's South Alabama in an exhibition game in convincing fashion. Spring Hill is a member of the NCAA D-II as Mobile improves to 2-0 this season against opponents that call the NCAA home, while improving to 4-1 overall.
Game Recap: Rams Are Rolling
Mobile jumped six spots to No. 16 in the latest NAIA Men's Basketball Top 25 Coaches' Poll after starting the year ranked No. 22. The Rams managed a win over No. 11 St. Thomas (Fla.) last week to earn more votes in the latest poll, which was released early on Wednesday morning. Later that evening, Mobile faced the Badgers and outscored Spring Hill 40-31 in the first half.
In the second half, Spring Hill made adjustments throughout the half to close the deficit and outscore Mobile 41-32 in the final 20 minutes. Up three in the final minute, the Rams looked like they were going to escape with a win, but the Mobile defense gave up a three-pointer to Spring Hill with just seconds remaining, which tied the game, 72-72. Mobile was unable to get a shot off as the game went to overtime for the first time this year.
In overtime, Mobile scored seven points in the added five minutes, while Spring Hill only tallied four. Free throws made by PJ King and Ezra McKenna eventually put the game away as Treylan Smith ended the game in style with a massive block at the buzzer. Following the win, a packed Pharr Gymnasium stormed the court and celebrated the victory.
As a team, Mobile shot 42% from the field, making 11 of 20 free throw attempts. Both DaMariee Jones and Ezra McKenna scored 23 points each to lead the Rams, with both players securing double-doubles in the process. McKenna led the team with 14 rebounds, with Jones tallying 11. Pooh Frazier followed Jones and McKenna's offensive production, scoring 14 points and adding three rebounds.
For the Badgers, Spring Hill only shot 40% in the defeat.
SSAC Conference Play on the Horizon
Coming off two big wins, Mobile will return to action in one week, hosting Thomas University (Ga.) on Thursday, Nov. 16 to open conference play this season. Next Thursday's game in Pharr Gymnasium is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT.
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For complete coverage of University of Mobile Athletics, follow the Rams on social media at /MobileRams (Facebook), @UMobileRams (Twitter), and @umobilerams (Instagram), or visit the official home of the University of Mobile Athletic Department at https://umobilerams.com/.
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.
