ATLANTA – The Oglethorpe Stormy Petrels hosted the first game of the annual Jack Berkshire Classic, and fell 81-62 to the Bard Raptors.

Malachi Dooley led with 11 points, Dylan Pumpian followed with 10, while Uba Ezigbo and Mark Asare both recorded nine. This was a season high for Asare, who also recorded a season high in rebounds. Perry Robbinson recorded eight points and nine rebounds while Ezigbo made four assists.

Jackson Kemp kicked things off with a solid 3-pointer, but the Raptors were quick to respond. The early minutes were a clear struggle for dominance, as Oglethorpe and Bard remained within a few points of each other. With seven minutes left in the first half, the Petrels went on a 7-0 run to gain a 24-22 lead, which was beaten by a 3-pointer from Bard, then Asare sank a 3-pointer of his own to put the Petrels back on top. Although the Raptors fought it, Oglethorpe ended the first half up 36-35 thanks to a layup from Pumpian. 

 The second half seemed to reflect the power struggle of the first, until Bard was able to gain a small advantage that would carry them through to the end of the game.  

Game Notes 

• Perry Robinson and Malachi Dooley both went 4-for-4 on free throws. 
• As a team, the Petrels recorded a 78.6% free-throw percentage. 
• The second game of the tournament, Belhaven versus Regis, was played immediately after, with Regis topping Belhaven 74-73. Oglethorpe will face Regis Saturday to close the classic.  
• The Jack Berskhire Classic is named for the legendary Oglethorpe coach and sponsored by Holiday Inn Express.

Up Next

The Jack Berkshire Classic will continue Saturday, Dec. 30, with a neutral Bard versus Belhaven game at 2 p.m, then Oglethorpe will take on Regis at 4 p.m. This will be the final game of 2023 as the Petrels will dive into the thick of Southern Athletic Association play in the new year, beginning with Rhodes at home January 4.