OXFORD, GA – The Men's Basketball Team opened their season with a victory over NJCAA Division I opponent Southern Crescent Technical College. The final score was 76-70.
The Eagles had 3 players score in double figures. Sophomore captain Ryan Kwong had 25 points and went 6 of 11 from the three-point line. Kwong also grabbed 6 rebounds. Freshman JJ Halaby had an amazing night scoring 26 points and making 5 three-pointers. Fellow freshman Jermon Clark posted a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Sophomore captain Zane Patel contributed with 9 points and 9 rebounds.
The Eagles had a rough first half as they gave up 19 offensive rebounds and allowing 21 second-chance points. Fortunately, the Eagles went into halftime only down by 5.
In the second half, the Eagles tighten up their defense only allowing the Tigers to 10 offensive boards and 6 second-chance points. Oxford also capitalized on a 13-0 run midway in the second half to help them regain the lead, which they held on to for the rest of the game.
"We did not play very well in the first half and luckily we were only down by 5. It could have been much worse," stated Head Coach Roderick Stubbs. "We played better in the second half, especially on the defensive end, and it's a big help when our players start hitting their shots."
The Eagles will return to action Saturday, November 3rd against Bryan College Reserve Squad. The game will be in Dayton, Tennessee and tipoff will be at 3:30 PM.