H. AUSTILL PHARR GYMNASIUM | MOBILE, Ala. - The University of Mobile Men's Basketball team pulled off an exciting comeback victory against Middle Georgia State on Thursday night, Jan. 16, securing the fourth-straight win in the process with a 77-72 victory. Following the win, the Rams continue to sit atop the current SSAC Men's Basketball West standings, advancing the overall record to 13-4 on the year and 7-2 in the SSAC.
Rams Shake Off Early Struggles; Overcome Turnovers
Mobile started slow on Thursday, trailing Middle Georgia State 38-33 at halftime. Turnovers haunted the Rams as the Knights managed 15 points off nine Mobile turnovers in the first 20 minutes. Middle Georgia State shot the ball well across the first with a 51% shooting line, while Mobile's offense was inconsistent at a 34% first-half shooting mark.
The Rams came alive in the second half, outscoring the Knights 44-34 to eventually win by five. The resilience and sharp adjustments on both ends of the court proved pivotal despite Mobile finishing with 21 turnovers in the game. The shooting percentage raised to 47% overall after the Rams finished 14-for-21 from the field in the second half, making seven three-pointers in the process. Meanwhile, Middle Georgia State's offense slumped in the second half, shooting just 31%.
Key performers on Mobile's side included first-year Ram Colin Howells, who matched a season-high 19 points in 19 minutes of playing time from off the bench. Howells knocked in five threes in the win, four coming in the second half alone. Ezra McKenna helped Howells lead the charge with his 11th double-double of the year, scoring 18 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. He added three assists against the Knights. Jarvis Moss also contributed from off head coach Darnell Archey's bench, recording 13 points in 16 minutes. Moss connected with three clutch three-pointers to keep Mobile in the game.
A series of clutch three-pointers and defensive stops helped Mobile erase a nine-point deficit midway through the second half, proving to be the decisive moment in Thursday's matchup. The ability to capitalize on turnovers and dominate the boards in key stretches made the difference.
Saturday Afternoon Conference Matchup
Mobile is scheduled for a 2:00 p.m. CT conference game against Point University (Ga.) next on the schedule, coming on Saturday, Jan. 18 in Pharr Gymnasium.
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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.
