Men’s Basketball Closes Semester at Brunswick Holiday Classic

SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, VA - The Richard Bland College men's basketball team moves to 9-7 overall, after traveling to Bolivia, North Carolina for the Brunswick Community College Holiday Classic over the weekend. The Statesmen matched up against three tough teams and opened action on Friday against Harcum. Richard Bland faced Monroe on day two and Chattanooga State Community College of day three.

On Friday, December 16^th Richard Bland held a narrow four point, 38-34 lead at the half against the Bears. Harcum came out fighting in the second half and outscored the Statesmen 44-12 to earn the 78-50 victory. Martin Kawa led Richard Bland with 22 points, three assists, three steals, and two rebounds. Larry Howell chipped in with eight points, four rebounds, two assists and one block. Kevon West and Eric Wood had six points each. West was credited with seven rebounds, four assists and three steals, while Wood added two rebounds and two assists. Jordan Morris and Ben Jones had three points apiece, and Noryen Lasley added two for the Statesmen.

On Saturday, December 17^th Richard Bland trailed early against the Mustangs. Monroe held a 45-26 lead at the half and outscored the Statesmen by 10 in the second, to take home the 86-57 victory. Ibrahim Kourouma led the Statesmen with 16 points and three rebounds. West added 11 points, seven assists, three rebounds and three steals in the loss. Kawa had eight points, and Howell seven for Richard Bland.

On Sunday, December 18^th the Tigers led 36-24 at the half over Richard Bland. The Statesmen came up within three but struggled to find points against a strong Tiger defense. Chattanooga State would end up holding on for the 71-60 win. Kevon West led all scorers with 23 points. West also added seven assists, six rebounds and four steals. Larry Howell had 12 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Ben Jones chipped in with nine points and seven rebounds, while Martin Kawa and Eric Wood added eight points and seven rebounds each.

The Richard Bland College men's basketball team enters the semester break at 9-7 overall, 2-0 in conference play. The Statesmen will be back in action on Saturday, January 7^th to open up the spring 2023 semester at home, against the Cobras of Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute.