Robert Williams had 10, including 4-of-6 shooting from the free throw line; Williams had the most free throws made and attempted for JCSU in an 83-73 loss to VA Union
Box Score
Charlotte, NC – The Johnson C. Smith University men's basketball team suffered an 83-73 conference loss to Virginia Union University on Monday, January 6th at Brayboy Gymnasium. JCSU moves to 10-3 overall and 2-1 in the CIAA, while the Panthers improve to 3-10 overall and 2-2 in the conference.
The first half was a "slugfest" between JCSU and Virginia Union. There were 10 lead changes and eight times the score was tied, including at the half (41-41). The Golden Bulls shot 54.5% (18-33) from the field, while VUU hit 48.4% (15-31) from the floor.
Junior forward
Emilio Parks (Ashtabula, OH) had 13 points and three blocks, including 6-of-7 (85.7%) shooting. Sophomore forward
Markell Lotharp (Marshville, NC) checked in and produced nine points in nine minutes.
Te'Quan Alers and Avery Jirmnson paced the Panthers with 11 and nine points, respectively.
Surprisingly, after the back and forth tug-a-war in the first half, JCSU trailed for the entire second half. Jirmnson scored the first eight points of the second half for VUU, including six unanswered. The Golden Bulls trailed by as much as 15 (61-46) with less than 15 minutes on the clock.
Three pointers from junior guard
LaMarquis Letchaw (Dallas, TX) and Lotharp padded an 11-2 run over the next three minutes. Virginia Union managed to push their lead to double digits and never let it drop below six points for the remainder of the contest.
Parks finished with 19 points off 8-of-11 (72%) shooting, including seven rebounds, four blocks, and four assists. Lotharp had a season-high 16 points and four boards. Senior forward
Robert Williams (Atlanta, GA) chipped in 10 points, followed by Letchaw with nine; both had two steals.
Omar Briggs had a game-high 21 points for the Panthers. Jirmnson and Alers concluded the contest with 19 and 17 points, respectively.
JCSU had their shooting percentage drop to 37.5% (9-24) in the second half. Virginia Union maintained an even 15-31 (48.4%) shooting in both halves. The Golden Bull lost the rebounding battle 40-30.
The Golden Bulls lose their first game in regulation; their other two losses occurred in overtime. These two teams split wins on the season. JCSU defeated VA Union in Richmond, VA on November 20th 65-59.
Johnson C. Smith men's basketball head to Murfreesboro, NC to face Chowan University on Thursday, January 9th. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Helms Center.
