James Dillard hit two clutch free throws in the closing seconds and scored 14 points to help JCSU snatch a 72-71 win over Virginia State on the road
Box Score
Ettrick, VA – The Johnson C. Smith University men's basketball team closed out a tough road game with a 72-71 victory over Virginia State University Monday evening inside Daniel Gymnasium. JCSU improves to 12-5 overall and 6-4 in the conference, while the Trojans fall to 2-15 overall and 2-11 in the CIAA.
Despite having one of the worst records in the conference, VSU came into this match-up riding the momentum of an 80-79 win over Livingstone. Their confidence was evident in their play throughout the contest. Neither team could pull away from the other in the first half. Senior forward
James Dillard (Apex, NC) drained a three-pointer from the right wing at the buzzer for a 35-35 tie to end the first period.
Senior forward
Brian Mobley (Charlotte, NC) led JCSU with 11 points at the break, followed by junior guard
Ronald Thornhill (Alberta, VA) with eight. The Golden Bulls shot a solid 53.6% from the field (15-28) and 63% from the three point line (5-8). Virginia State had a 46% shooting performance from the floor (15-33) and outscored JCSU in the paint 20-10 in the opening.
The game was won and lost at the free throw line in the second half. With 26 seconds remaining, Dillard tied the game for the 12th time connecting on his first of two free throws. He put J.C. Smith ahead 72-71 with his second shot at the charity stripe.
Thornhill was called for a foul on Ricardo Lipscomb with on four ticks on the clock. With an opportunity to tie and then take the lead, Lipscomb missed his first free throw attempt. His second attempt was unsuccessful as well, Dillard grabbed the rebound and the Golden Bulls picked up their fifth straight win.
Four players scored double figures to earn the victory for Johnson C. Smith. Thornhill had a team-high 17 points, including 3-of-9 from behind the arc and three steals. Mobley pitched in with 16 points and three rebounds. Dillard and senior forward
Jerry Hollis (Charlotte, NC) both produced 14 points; Dillard also had eight boards, while Hollis dished out four assists and grabbed four rebounds.
The Golden Bulls jump into divisional action on Thursday, January 28th against St. Augustine's College. The Falcons will host JCSU inside Emery Gymnasium; game time is slated for 7:30 pm.
