Men’s Basketball Claims #6 Seed in Region Tournament After Final Regular Season Loss

SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, VA – The Richard Bland College Men's Basketball team finished the regular season 12-17 overall, 7-9 in conference play after traveling to Gaston College last Wednesday.

Wednesday evening, the Rhinos jumped out to an early, 10 point lead heading into halftime, 29-39. Richard Bland showed out strong in the second half adding 48 points, but it was not enough as the Statesmen fell 77-87 in the final game of the regular season. With the loss, Richard Bland solidified the #6 seed heading into the Region 10/Atlantic District Tournament.

Three Statesmen had double-digit figures in the loss led by Martin Kawa with 20 points, five rebounds, two steals, and one assist. Jalen Smith tallied 18 points, five rebounds, and three steals. Off the bench, Mekhi Phipps-Dedrick added 12 points, three rebounds, and three steals. Ibrahim Kourouma was credited with nine points, eight rebounds, and one block, while Larry Howell and Tim Robinson chipped in with eight points each.

Richard Bland went 75.0% from the charity stripe, 42.0% from the field, and 33.3% from the perimeter.

The Richard Bland College men's basketball team next travels to Catawba Valley Community College for the Region 10/Atlantic District Tournament beginning Thursday, March 14^th. The Statesmen are set to take on the Eagles of Wake Technical Community College at 7pm. Live video feeds will be provide by Catawba Valley Community College Athletics at https://www.youtube.com/@CVCCRedHawks/streams