Trevin Parks had a team-high 16 points, three rebounds, and two steals in the 62-56 loss to Belmont Abbey
Box Score vs. Belmont Abbey
Charlotte, NC – The Johnson C. Smith University men's basketball team dropped their fourth consecutive contest after a 62-56 loss to Belmont Abbey College inside Brayboy Gymnasium on Saturday evening. JCSU moves to 2-4 overall, while the Crusaders improve to 4-3.
J.C. Smith held a 9-4 lead four minutes into the game. Later in the period, back to back buckets from sophomore guard Trevin Parks (Hickory, NC) and a three from senior guard Ronald Thornhill (Alberta, VA) pushed the Golden Bulls in front 20-10 at the half way mark of the first. Momentum took an awkward twist and Belmont ended the half on a 9-2 scoring run. Richard Barbee scored six points during that run for the Crusaders.
The Golden Bulls held a 34-32 at halftime shooting 50% (16-32) from the floor, while Belmont shot 39% (13-33). Parks had 10 points at the break off 5-of-7 shooting, followed by sophomore center Delonta Boyd (Washington, D.C.) with eight points and four rebounds.
Barbee had 12 points for the Crusaders, along with nine points from Kyle Phillips.
JCSU continue to fight off Belmont for the first ten minutes of the second half. Tyshawn Good hit two free throws with 10:30 on the clock to tie the game at 46-46. Down the stretch, a three pointer from Terrone Sheffey gave the Crusaders a 59-52 advantage with 5:18 left to play.
Things got interesting close to the final minute when Parks nailed a three to bring JCSU within a field goal of tying the game. Down 59-56, Boyd was fouled after stealing a pass but missed on the free throw attempt. Belmont closed the game on a free throw with Ian Perry and lay-up by Kyle Phillips as time expired.
Johnson C. Smith only made eight field goals in the second half, shooting 33% (8-15). Belmont shot 50% (13-26) from the floor and out-rebounded the Golden Bulls 39-29.
Four had double figures for JCSU led by Parks with 16 points. Thornhill chipped 11 points, while Boyd and junior forward Michael Cooper (New Rochelle, NY) each scored 10.
“I was disappointed in our execution in the second half and we simply ran out of gas,” said JCSU head coach #Stephen Joyner, Sr#. “Our conditioning needs some work and hopefully our players will demonstrate the focus needed to improve.”
The Golden Bulls begin CIAA play on Monday, December 13th against St. Paul's College inside Brayboy Gymnasium. JCSU faced the Tigers earlier this season (11/27/10) in a 75-69 loss during the Fresh Coast Classic in Milwaukee, WI. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
