LaMarquis Letchaw had a game-high 19 points and six assists, along with four steals and five rebounds; while sealing the win at the free throw line
Box Score Charlotte, NC – The Johnson C. Smith University men's basketball team defeated nearby divisional rival Livingstone College 76-73 on Saturday, January 25th in Brayboy Gymnasium. JCSU improves to 13-6 overall, 5-4 in the CIAA, and 2-1 in the division. The Blue Bears falls to 12-7 overall, 4-5 in conference, and 1-2 in the Southern.
The Golden Bulls faced a 35-31 halftime deficit. JCSU shot 37.1% (13-35) from the field, compared to 45% (14-31) shooting for Livingstone. The Blue Bears hit 50% (4-8) of their free throws, while JCSU only connect on 4-of-10 attempts from the foul line in the first half.
Junior forward
Emilio Parks (Ashtabula, OH) set the pace for the Golden Bulls with eight points and six rebounds in the opening. Senior forward
Antwan Wilkerson (Greensboro, NC) had a full stat line of six points, four rebounds, and two blocks.
Eric Mayo and Mark Thomas were the two catalysts for Livingstone in the initial period. Mayo had 11 points and nine boards, while Thomas pitched in 10 points and two assists.
The second half continued to be a back and forth, seesaw battle. JCSU held the largest lead of 56-49 at the 7:25 mark after a three pointer from senior forward
Kameko Walls (Winston-Salem, NC). Livingstone captured a late 73-72 lead off a layup from Thomas with 48 seconds remaining.
Parks tied up the score and then move the Golden Bulls ahead 74-73 with two made free throws with 24 seconds on the clock. The Blue Bears committed a turnover on their next possession and were forced to foul. Junior guard
LaMarquis Letchaw (Dallas, TX) sealed the win with two converted foul shot attempts with less than 10 seconds to play.
Eric Dubose missed a final second three pointer, giving JCSU a 76-73 win.
Letchaw ended the evening with a game-high 19 points and six assists, along with four steals and five rebounds. Parks concluded with 18 points and nine boards. Wilkerson had 10 points, seven rebounds, and four blocks.
Thomas had a team-high 18 points and four assists, followed by Mayo with 15 points and 13 boards for the Blue Bears.
The Golden Bulls connected on 15-of-24 shot attempts (62.5%) in the second half, compared to their 37% shooting in the first half.
JCSU will look to extend their winning streak to three games as they take on Winston-Salem State University on Wednesday, January 29th. Tip-off is slated for 7:30 p.m. inside the C.E. Gaines Center.
