KINGSPORT, Tenn. - The University of Mobile Men's Basketball team put together an impressive performance to get back into the win column on Friday afternoon, Nov. 29, defeating Bluefield University (Va.) 82-64 at the NAIA's 10th annual "The Show" tournament held in Kingsport, Tenn. The Rams, now boasting a 7-1 record, leveraged an explosive first half against the Bluefield Rams to secure their seventh victory of the season and is scheduled to play one more game on the weekend in Kingsport.
Dominant First Half Sets the Tone
Mobile opened the game with high energy, dominating the first half with a commanding 43-20 lead. The team managed 17 made shots from the floor through the first 20 minutes, ending the half with a 50% shooting line as a team. For Bluefield, the Rams from Virginia only made eight shots from the field in the first.
Despite a spirited second-half effort by Bluefield, Mobile's lead proved insurmountable. Bluefield managed 44 second-half points compared to Mobile's 39, but Mobile's defensive resilience and early advantage ensured the outcome was never in doubt.
Like the first half, Mobile shot 50% from the field in the second half and connected on 38.5% of their three-point attempts throughout Friday's win. Defensively, the Rams held Bluefield to 35.5% shooting, recording six steals and four blocks as a unit. Rebounding was another key area where Mobile excelled, out-rebounding Bluefield, 45-29. The Rams' ability to control the boards limited Bluefield's second-chance opportunities and fueled the transition game.
Mobile capitalized on opportunities, with 38 of the 82 points coming from inside the paint. Ezra McKenna spearheaded Mobile's effort with another double-double, scoring 18 points and pulling down 15 rebounds for his eighth double-double of the year. McKenna's efficiency was notable, shooting 7-of-10 from the field, including two three-pointers. He currently averages 21 points and 14 rebounds per game during the 2024-25 season.
Trent Moye added 13 points, while bench contributions shone brightly, accounting for 39 of the team's points. Jarvis Moss and BJ Comer both tallied nine points from off the bench, while Liam Patterson added eight. Mobile's depth proved pivotal, with a total of 11 players recording points in the victory.
"The Show" Continues on Saturday
Friday's win hands Mobile confidence heading into the final game of the weekend tournament, scheduled for Saturday afternoon, Nov. 30 at 12:45 p.m. CT. Mobile will square off against Columbia International (S.C) in Kingsport on Saturday, looking to head home with a strong 2-0 showing at this weekend's NAIA classic.
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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.
