Golden Bulls Drop 88-82 Decision at Livingstone
JCSU Sports Information
Box Score Salisbury, N.C. (Feb. 13, 2016) – The Johnson C. Smith University men's basketball team had three veteran players score at least 17 points each, but it was not enough to overcome a strong second half effort by Livingstone, as the Golden Bulls dropped an 88-82 decision at Trent Gym in Salisbury, N.C. on Saturday afternoon.
After being down by five at halftime, JCSU saw Livingstone build a 21 point second half lead (74-53) before battling back. The Golden Bulls then ripped off a 16-0 run that cut the Blue Bear lead to just 74-69 following a three pointer from
Joshua Linson (San Antonio, Tex.) with 4:57 to play. Livingstone would then go on to build the lead back to seven points (78-71) after a Ty Newman layup, but JCSU again responded, closing the gap to two points after
Diondre Pratt (Morven, N.C.) knocked down two free throws and a three pointer, bringing JCSU to within 78-76 with just 2:06 to play.
After Newman hit a layup and free throw that extended the Livingstone lead to 81-76 at the 1:23 mark, JCSU closed to 81-80 after senior
Stedmon Lemon (Lithonia, Ga.) canned two free throws and the JCSU defense forced a Blue Bear turnover that led to Pratt earning a trip to the foul line with 1:09 remaining. Following Pratt's free throws, a Livingstone tip-in from Nasir Austin made it 83-80 with 47 seconds remaining. Pratt closed it to one point (83-82) again after a layup. JCSU then was forced to foul to extend the game and Livingstone converted 5-of-6 free throws in the last 13 seconds of the game to take the 88-82 win over the division-leading Golden Bulls.
Despite the loss, JCSU (12-11, 7-7 CIAA, 5-3 Southern Division) remains atop the Southern Division, tied with St. Augustine's. JCSU swept SAU in both meetings this season.
For the game,
Diondre Pratt was the top scorer, as he poured in a game-high 23 points. Fellow senior
Stedmon Lemon had 18 while Josh Linson had 17 points while hitting five from distance.
The Golden Bulls will return home for two straight home games to close the regular season. The first game will be on Wednesday night when JCSU hosts Winston-Salem State in the annual Pink Game. Tipoff is scheduled 7:30 p.m. and people are encouraged to wear pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. Susan G. Komen Charlotte will be on hand to accept donations and to spread awareness of this deadly disease.
