H. AUSTILL PHARR GYMNASIUM | MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile Men's Basketball team secured the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) West Division title with a 68-59 victory over Faulkner University (Ala.) on Saturday afternoon, Feb. 22, ending the regular season with a 20-6 overall record and 13-4 conference record under head coach Darnell Archey.
Additionally, Saturday was Senior Day in Pharr Gymnasium as several seniors were honored pregame in front of one of the largest crowds this season.
Wild, Wild West Belongs to Mobile
The Rams built an early lead in Saturday's regular season finale, taking a 35-25 advantage into halftime. Darnell Archey's message during halftime to his Rams was simple; take care of the basketball, rebound, limit Faulkner's three-point shots, and become SSAC West Champions. Following that message, Mobile held off a second-half push by the Eagles to clinch the crucial win.
Late in the second half, Faulkner closed the deficit to just three points, but clutch stops on the defensive side and successful free throws eventually put the game away for Mobile.
Mobile's offensive attack was led by BJ Comer, who finished with 14 points, six rebounds, and two assists, while the Mobile bench combined for 28 points in the victory. Adarius Oliver added a strong performance off the bench with 12 points and nine rebounds, while Jarvis Moss contributed 13 points, knocking down three three-pointers. As a team, the Rams finished 35.7% from the floor, while making 20-of-23 free throws in the ballgame. Both teams tallied 18 rebounds.
Defensively, the Rams held Faulkner to just 33.9% shooting from the field and forced 10 turnovers. Mobile's ability to capitalize on second-chance points and maintain control of the game helped secure their top spot in the division standings.
2025 SSAC Men's Basketball Championship Tournament
The seeds are set for the 2025 SSAC Men's Basketball Championship, presented by Newk's Eatery. The tournament runs Feb. 26 – March 1 at the Multiplex at Cramton Bowl in downtown Montgomery, Ala. Dalton State (Ga.) claimed the SSAC Regular Season Championship and an automatic bid to the NAIA National Championship First & Second Round, while Mobile earned the top spot in the west standings.
Mobile is set for first action on Thursday, Feb. 27, facing the winner of the Thomas (Ga.) v. Loyola (La.) tournament opener. Thursday's game is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. CT.
Tickets are being sold online only at ssacsports.com/tickets. For fans unable to attend, all games will be streamed live at ssacsports.tv.
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.
