Home Win For Statesmen, 78-73

SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, VA -- The Richard Bland College of William and Mary men's basketball team defeated Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute by a score of 78-73 on Saturday, January 2.

Saturday's game marked the Statesmen's first conference win at the NJCAA Division I level in Region 10. Richard Bland's record improves to 6-13 while Caldwell goes to 12-10 on the season. The Statesmen next play away at Bryant & Stratton College on Wednesday, February 6 for a 7 pm tipoff. 

Caldwell opened up scoring with a tough layup outside the paint. The Statesmen quickly returned and answered with an easy pull-up by freshman Jordan Cross followed by a defensive stop and a nice assist by sophomore Ryan Jones for an easy layup by sophomore Sterling Carrington. The Statesmen would continue to capitalize in their half-court offense. At the nine-minute mark, Richard Bland led 21-11. Following a timeout, the Cobras would go on a 15-6 run to close the half trailing the Statesmen 28-26.

Caldwell would come out strong in the second half hitting three, three-pointers in five of their first trips down the floor. At 16:40 remaining, the Cobras found themselves in the lead by a score of 37-34. The Statesmen would take the lead 57-54 with 9:36 remaining with one of sophomore Wayne Clevert's six three-pointers. The Cobras continued to fight but in the end, Richard Bland would keep their lead.

Five players from Richard Bland would finish in double figures. Clevert would lead the Statesmen in scoring with 18 points followed by sophomore Marvin Trottman with 13, Jones with 12, as well as Carrington and freshman Matthew Allman with ten.