Ezra McKenna was a standout performer for Mobile, recording a double-double with 26 points and 10 rebounds. He shot 9-for-16 from the field and hit all six of his free throws. Trent Moye and Adarius Oliver also provided significant contributions, with Moye scoring 15 points on a 7-for-14 shooting line and Oliver tallying 11 points with eight rebounds.

Mobile's defense was relentless, forcing 18 turnovers and making 13 steals. The Rams also capitalized on Southeastern's mistakes, scoring 22 points off turnovers. Southeastern managed a close fight in the paint but could not match Mobile as the Fire was held to a field goal percentage of just 36.2%. For Mobile, the Rams shot 43.3% from the floor, making nine of 10 free throw attempts.

Mobile v. (17) Ave Maria Game Summary

In a the biggest game of the young season for Mobile, the Rams managed to defeat Ave Maria 91-73 in a game that Mobile controlled from start to finish. Mobile dominated the first half with an impressive offensive surge, scoring 49 points to establish a 15-point lead by halftime. The Rams set to tone of the game by opening Saturday's action with a 20-5 run over the Gyrenes. In the second half, Mobile added 42 points to eventually earn the 18-point win.

Treylan Smith led the team in scoring with a season-best 23 points, including four three-pointers and seven rebounds. Adarius Oliver was flawless from the field, hitting all eight of his shots for 20 points and grabbing 11 rebounds for his first double-double as a Mobile Ram. Ezra McKenna also recorded a double-double, his third in three games this season, contributing 13 points and 12 rebounds. Mobile shot an efficient 54.5% from the field and an outstanding 58.3% from beyond the arc, outpacing Ave Maria's 38.9% shooting overall.

Ave Maria struggled to keep up with Mobile's strong offense, despite Gyrenes' 10 three-pointers in the losing effort. Additionally, Mobile dominated the rebound margin, securing 44 boards compared to Ave Maria's 31.

Coach's Reaction

Mobile Head Coach Darnell Archey was quite pleased with his team's performance over the weekend and 3-0 start in general. "Words can't express how proud I am of the team to travel down to Lakeland and beat two really good teams out of the SUN Conference," Archey said. "Winning Friday night against Southeastern on their home floor was huge, but then to turn around less than 24 hours later and defeat No. 17 Ave Maria says a lot about having an experienced team that didn't get complacent and relaxed after the big win on Friday."

Archey mentioned the week of practice ahead of Mobile's trip to Lakeland, crediting solid days leading up to the SEU Classic. "We earned the right to play this well this weekend because we stacked four great days of practice heading up to the games," he said. "We have been stressing all preseason that great teams are made up of players that practice great every day. This is not an easy task, but we are improving and seeing growth from the team mentally being prepared each day."

Mobile's offense has been solid through three games on the year, surpassing 90 points in two of the three games played. The Rams average 87.7 points per game and are shooting north of 48% from the field. "Exciting to see the balance in scoring over the past two games," Archey mentioned. "I believe we had five guys score over double figures and three of them go for over 20 throughout the weekend. Really proud of the efforts and contributions from the entire team. Guys stepped up on both sides of the floor and the bench energy and support was really good."

Defensively, Archey wanted to see his team improve, which they did. "After giving up 92 points to Huntingdon (Ala.) last Saturday, we really turned our focus on getting back to defending like we have the past couple of years," said Archey. "Southeastern was averaging 105 points and Ave Maria at 96, so for our defense to hold them to 62 and 73 says a lot about our preparation this past week, plus having the grit and determination to get stops."

Return to the Pharr

After two games on the road, Mobile is set to return to action at home in Pharr Gymnasium on Tuesday, Nov. 12, hosting Southeastern Baptist College (Miss.) at 7:00 p.m. CT. With the 3-0 start, the Rams are making a case to be ranked inside the NAIA Men's Basketball Top 25 come next poll.

FOLLOW THE RAMS

For complete coverage of the University of Mobile Athletics, follow the Rams on social media at /MobileRams (Facebook), @UMobileRams ("X" FKA 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.