ATLANTA – With the Southern Athletic Association tournament drawing near, the Oglethorpe Stormy Petrels moved back on track with an 86-65 win over the Millsaps Majors.
Eleven Petrels made their way into the scoring column, with three in double digits. Uba Ezigbo led with 26, followed by Malachi Dooley with a career high of 14, Jordan James with 11 points, Ryan Jenei with nine, and Jonathan Awoleye with seven points. Ezigbo, Dylan Bennifield and Trey Harris each recorded three assists. Harris also led the team in rebounds, recording a career high of eight.
"I am proud of the guys for bouncing back today after Friday nightm" said Head Coach Philip Ponder. "We played our worst game of the year Friday night, but the guys did a good job of putting that in the rearview mirror and coming out and playing with great energy today. We can really shoot the ball, and when we defend with energy, we can beat anyone."
Millsaps was able to begin the game in their favor, building a 4–0 lead until a 3-pointer from Jenei got the Petrels going. The score would tie twice in the next minute, but two free-throws from Ezigbo gave Oglethorpe a lead they would maintain for the remainder of the period.
The Majors struggled to catch up as Awoleye recorded an excellent dunk, while Dooley, Mason Kemp, and Ezigbo sank 3-pointers. Even though Millsaps recorded the final baskets of the period, Oglethorpe headed into halftime up 48-32.
Jenei began the second period with a 3-pointer, and Ezigbo sank two free-throws to boost Oglethorpe past a 20-point lead at 53-32. The Majors were ultimately able to break the large lead, but the Petrels regained and strengthened it later in the period.
Oglethorpe was able to maintain a decent lead the entire period, never letting Millsaps within 15 points. Even though Millsaps made the final two baskets, the Stormy Petrels claimed an impressive 86-65 victory.
Game Notes
- Oglethorpe's record is now 9-13 (4-7 SAA).
- Millsaps' record is now 4-17 (2-9 SAA).
- Ezigbo was one point shy of tying his career high.
- Mason Kemp recorded three steals.
- As a team, Oglethorpe recorded a 72.7% free-throw percentage.
- Oglethorpe's record against Millsaps is now 26–17 since 2001.
Up Next
The Stormy Petrels will leave their nest for Kentucky as Oglethorpe faces Centre on Friday, Feb 10, at 8 p.m. Only three games remain in the regular season, which will conclude with a home game against Berry on Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 8 p.m. The Southern Athletic Association tournament is set to begin on Sunday, Feb. 19.
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