COCHRAN, Ga. - For the first time since the 2007-08 campaign, the University of Mobile Men's Basketball team has surpassed 18 victories during a season, improving to 19-5 on the year following a 65-62 victory over Middle Georgia State. Additionally, Mobile's SSAC record advances to 12-4 following the win, keeping the Rams in sole possession of third place in the current SSAC Men's Basketball standings.
Late Shot Gives Mobile Important Road Win
In an evenly-played contest in Cochran, Ga., Mobile and Middle Georgia State both managed to tally 35 points each through the first half, with Middle Georgia State making three more shots from the floor than Mobile. The Rams shot 40% during the first 20 minutes, while the Knights managed a 46% shooting line. Individually, Sage McKenna led the charge on the offensive end for Mobile, scoring 13 points in the first half.
In the second half, both teams traded the lead back and forth several times, with the game eventually remaining tied at 61 points a piece with just eight seconds remaining in regulation. Mobile committed a costly foul at the eight-second mark on the scoreboard, sending Middle Georgia State's Pierles Brown to the free throw line. Brown knocked down one of two free throw attempts to give the Knights a one-point lead.
On the inbound following the made free throw, Mobile's Joshua Williams went coast to coast and made a jumper with one second left on the clock to give the Rams the lead, 63-62. On Williams' jumper, the senior drew a foul and had a chance to push Mobile's lead to two. However, Williams missed the free throw attempt and saw the Knights grab the rebound and immediately call a timeout.
Coming out of the timeout, Middle Georgia State made a costly mistake by stepping on the inbound line and gave the ball back to Mobile with the one second left. Ezra McKenna was then fouled following Mobile's inbound attempt and put the game away with two made free throws. From there, the game went final, 65-62.
As a team, the Rams shot just 37% on Thursday, being out-rebounded, 36-33. Mobile made only six three-pointers and finished 11-for-17 from the free throw line. Sage McKenna led Mobile with 17 points in the win, a new season-high. Both DaMariee Jones and Ezra McKenna picked up double-doubles, with Jones finishing with 14 points and 10 boards, and McKenna scoring 12 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Joshua Williams notched nine points, including the game-winner, and picked up a team-high five assists.
Back to Work on Saturday
Mobile travels to Mount Vernon, Ga. following the win over Middle Georgia State, scheduled for a Saturday afternoon conference game against Brewton-Parker College (Ga.) on Saturday, Feb. 10. Saturday's game is scheduled for a 1:00 p.m. CT start.
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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.
