Statesmen Drop Tough Decision to Brunswick

by Alden Di Dio

SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, VA - The Richard Bland College of William & Mary men's basketball team fell to Brunswick Community College, 73-71, on Saturday afternoon.

The Statesmen move to 9-11 on the season and will host CCBC Catonsville on Friday, February 7 at 6 p.m.

The Statesmen shined in the first period. RBC kept the lead for the entirety of the half and took control of the court. This was evident in the Statesmen's ability to keep the Dolphins scoreless for the first five minutes of the game. The offensive effort was supported by Kenneth Southerland who blew past the Brunswick defense and dunked the ball on multiple occasions. Darius Jones also contributed by making three 3 point shots in the first half. After the end of the first period the score stood at 39-32 with the Statesmen feeling confident in their abilities. 

Starting the second half, the Statesmen maintained the pace they set for themselves. However, Brunswick decided to match speed with RBC. Brunswick quickly tied the score up 48-48 six minutes into the half and took a one point lead two minutes later. The lead went back and forth on each side. One minute the Statesmen would have a two point lead, but Brunswick would take a one point lead two minutes later. The game was tied four times throughout the game. However, Brunswick was able to break through the RBC defense in the final minute of the game and take a 70-67 lead. Jared Watkins and Southerland each added two points to the scoreboard to make it a 71-70 game with five seconds left on the clock. With the contest seeming to be over, Brunswick unexpectedly scored a three pointer with one and a half seconds left in the game. The Statesmen made a strong effort to get those final three points back, however Brunswick came out on top 73-71.

The Statesmen were led by Southerland with 21 points, Jones with 20 points, and Watkins with 17 points.