James Dillard returned to the line-up with a game-high 21 points, six rebounds, and two blocks in the 91-63 win over SPC
Box Score
Charlotte, NC – The Johnson C. Smith University men's basketball team jumped back into the win column with a 91-63 conference victory against St. Paul's College Monday evening inside Brayboy Gymnasium. JCSU improves to 8-5 in the overall standings and 3-4 in the CIAA, while the Tigers move to 1-9 overall and 0-8 in the conference.
St. Paul's kept it close in the first half, shooting 40% from the field (14-35). J.C. Smith held a small 37-32 lead going into halftime. Senior forward
James Dillard (Apex, NC) was very productive early, scoring 14 points off 6-of-7 shooting in the first. The Golden Bulls shot 41.7% from the floor in the opening (15-36).
JCSU had the Tigers outmatched in the second period, outscoring SPC 54-31. The Golden Bulls led in most statistical categories, including points in the paint (38-20) and rebounds (49-36). J.C. Smith shooting percentage improved to 66.7% in the second half, both from the field (18-27) and the three point line (2-3).
Dillard concluded the night with a game-high 21 points, six rebounds, and two blocks. Fellow senior
Jerry Hollis (Charlotte, NC) produced a double-double of 14 points and 10 boards with two steals and two blocks. Junior guard
Ronald Thornhill (Alberta, VA) and sophomore guard
James Otey (Roanoke, VA) had almost identical numbers with 13 points and five assists apiece.
Forward Ibn-Saeed Rasoull carried the bulk of the scoring for the Tigers with 21 points and six rebounds.
“We're not out the woods yet, but we attacked our opponent like we were suppose to and got the win,” said JCSU head coach #Stephen Joyner, Sr.# “It was good to have JD (Dillard) back, he played some solid minutes; he's still trying to get his wind back.”
Dillard is recovering from an ailing knee injury that's had him sidelined for the past three games.
Johnson C. Smith returns to the court for a conference contest against Lincoln (PA) University on Saturday, January 16th. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 pm. In recognition and appreciation for continued support, JCSU has tagged Saturday's game as Mount Carmel Baptist Night.
The pastor, first family, and members of Mount Carmel Baptist Church will be our special guests. Their members will be featured during the singing of the national anthem, performances during halftime of the men's and women's games, along with contests and giveaways.
