H. AUSTILL PHARR GYMNASIUM | MOBILE, Ala. - Coming off a 24-point conference win over Middle Georgia State University just two days prior, the University of Mobile Men's Basketball team returned to the court on Saturday afternoon, Jan. 6 and managed an 79-57 win over Brewton-Parker College (Ga.) to improve to 12-3 overall on the 2023-24 season. Additionally, the win moves Mobile to sole possession of third place in the current SSAC Men's Basketball standings with a 6-2 conference record, with a date against the second-place Running Eagles of Life University (Ga.) on the horizon.
Game Recap
Brewton-Parker opened the game with a fast-paced attack on Mobile, starting the game off with a made three-point shot from Zailan Blue that drew a foul. Following the successful four-point play, the Barons stretched their small lead to 6-2 before the Rams managed to tie the game at six points a piece with just under 18 minutes left in the first half. With just over 17 minutes left in the half, Mobile grabbed the first lead of the game and never looked back throughout the rest of the contest against Brewton-Parker.
The Rams shot the ball well throughout the first 20 minutes, eventually ending the first half with a shooting percentage north of 51%. For the Barons, consistent offense was hard to come by as Brewton-Parker tallied a 33% shooting line, making just 11 of 33 total shots from the floor. Blue led the Barons' charge with 14 first-half points. Mobile went to halftime with a 39-31 lead over Brewton-Parker, making 14 total shots, being led by Ezra McKenna with 11 points through the first 20 minutes.
Out of halftime, foul trouble hurt the Barons on Saturday, with three of Brewton-Parker's five starters being called for at least three fouls each early through the second half. Lance Smith, the Barons' team leader in offense this season, eventually fouled out of the game following a late technical. Smith ended his day with only seven points to his name after averaging over 16 points per game entering Saturday. The Brewton-Parker foul problems sent Mobile to the free throw line a total of 34 times throughout Saturday's matchup, with the Rams making 24 free throw attempts.
Mobile outscored Brewton-Parker 40-26 in the second half, going on to win the game by 18 points. The Rams scored 30 points in the paint against the Barons, while notching 15 second chance points after securing 13 offensive rebounds.
Box Score Highlights
Ezra McKenna recorded his 11th double-double of the season on Saturday, leading all players with 31 points and 17 rebounds. McKenna's 31 points is the second-highest scoring total for the junior this season as he continues to average over 18 points and 12 rebounds per game.
DaMariee Jones followed McKenna with 15 points, adding six rebounds and six assists. Treylan Smith finished one rebound shy of a double-double of his own, securing nine boards and scoring 12 points. After being held to just two points in the first half, Trent Moye finished with 11 points to his name, grabbing five rebounds.
Mobile out-rebounded the Barons 47-40, and forced 18 Brewton-Parker turnovers. The 18 giveaways led to 25 points for the Rams.
Big Road Matchup Upcoming
Mobile hits the road for the first time in 2024, traveling to Marietta, Ga. on Wednesday, Jan. 10 for an important conference meeting with Life University. Life currently sits second in the conference standings with a 7-1 SSAC record, while Mobile sits in third trailing by one game in the standings. Wednesday's game is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT and is the first of two regular season meetings between the two programs.
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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.
