Preseason All-American James Dillard produced a double-double of 25 points and 16 rebounds in the 92-58 season opening win
Charlotte, NC – The Johnson C. Smith University men's basketball team outscored Bluefield State College 62-30 in the second half en route to a 92-58 victory Tuesday evening inside Brayboy Gymnasium. The Golden Bulls have not loss a season opener since the 1997-98 season.
JCSU could not create any separation from Bluefield in the first half. Both teams worked to find a rhythm, but J.C. Smith held a small 30-28 lead at the half. Senior forward
James Dillard (Apex, NC) and junior guard
Ryan Carter (Charlotte, NC) had a team-high eight points apiece at the break.
BSC had better shooting percentage from the field (47.6%) and the three point line (44.4%). Johnson C. Smith was 9-of-12 from the free throw line (75%) and out-rebounded Bluefield 15 to 12. JCSU head coach Steve Joyner, Sr. made five-man substitution rotations throughout the first half. Bluefield only played six of their eight man roster in the opening.
The Golden Bulls forced 14 second half turnovers which resulted into 22 points. J.C. Smith outscored Bluefield 32-12 in points off turnovers, 50-20 off points in the paint, and a 36-9 difference in points off the bench. BSC was out-rebounded 38-28 and JCSU produced a 16-5 point advantage off second chances.
“We needed to run the floor and make better passes,” says Coach Joyner in regards to the first half. “We played better defense in the second half; we scored inside, and made smarter decisions with the ball. There is still a tremendous amount of improvement we have to do, but it's good to get the win.”
Dillard finished with a game-high 25 points and eight rebounds off 8-of-11 shooting from the field and 9-of-10 from the free throw line. Senior forward
Brian Mobley (Charlotte, NC) scored 16 points and snatched five boards. Raylon Almon had the high for Bluefield with 20 points.
Johnson C. Smith will host St. Paul's College, Felician College, and Allen University in the 2009 Wendy's Claude Saunders Tip-off Classic November 20-21st in Brayboy Gymnasium. JCSU will play Allen on Friday, November 20th at 8:00 pm and Felician and St. Paul's tip-off at 6:00 pm. The Golden Bulls match up with Felician on Saturday, November 21st at 6:00 pm, Allen and St. Paul's tip at 4:00 pm, and the Lady Golden Bulls play Wingate at 2:00 pm.
