Jerry Hollis would not be denied, scoring a game high 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 blocks
Charlotte, NC – The Johnson C. Smith University men's basketball team held strong down the stretch for a 65-59 win over Catawba College Thursday evening inside Brayboy Gymnasium. JCSU closes out the first half of the season 6-3 overall, while the Indians fall to 5-4 in the standings.
Both teams played an up-tempo style most of the first half. JCSU attacked the inside to establish some consistency scoring. Catawba was outscored 26-10 inside the paint in the opening period. J.C. Smith shot 44.1% from the field (15-34), 80% from the free throw line, but could not connect on one of their seven three-point attempt.
With 2:12 remaining in the first, senior forward
Jerry Hollis (Charlotte, NC) scored four consecutive points to put JCSU ahead 32-27. Each squad hit an additional field goal for a 34-29 Golden Bull advantage at halftime. Hollis aggressively racked up 14 points, six boards, and two blocks at the break. Senior forward
Brian Mobley (Charlotte, NC) and
James Dillard (Apex, NC) contributed with six points apiece.
Catawba did not go quietly into the night in the second half. The Indians jumped out in front 40-39 off a free throw at the 14:45 mark. JCSU trailed 59-55 with three and a half minutes remaining. The Golden Bulls put 10 unanswered points on the scoreboard, including five FTs from Hollis to seal the victory.
Junior guard
Ronald Thornhill (Alberta, VA) had the key moment in the game. After a tough 1-for-7 night from the field, Thornhill was fouled after throwing up a 10-foot jumper that went in off the glass. He would complete the three-point play and put JCSU up 64-59 with 37 seconds left to play.
Hollis had a monster night with a game-high 26 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. Dillard was the only other Golden Bull to score double figures with 13 points and seven rebounds (all defensive).
Rob Fields had a team-high 16 points, Antonio Houston scored 12, and Dominick Reid had 10 points and four boards. Donald Rutherford produced a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds for the Indians.
Johnson C. Smith shot 43.9% from the floor (25-57) and outscored Catawba 38-24 in the post.
“We did some things well tonight, and considering how much improving we have to do, ending the first half of season 6-3 is a pleasant surprise,” said JCSU head coach #Stephen Joyner, Sr.# “We'll take this time to be with our loved ones and family and hopefully come back focused and ready to get to work.”
JCSU returns to the court on Saturday, January 2, 2010 in conference action against Virginia State University. Tip-off is slated for 7:30 pm inside Brayboy Gymnasium.
