Vonhm, Smith Lead Statesmen in Non-Conference Loss

SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, VA – The Richard Bland College Men's Basketball team traveled to Bryant& Stratton College (VA) Wednesday evening for a non-conference contest with the Bobcats. After the contest, the Statesmen moved to 3-8 overall, 1-0 in conference play after dropping the game to the Bobcats, 89-92.

Wednesday's contest was a battle from tip-off, to the final buzzer. The Bobcats took the initial lead after being fouled, seconds into the game and knocking down one of two free throws. Andy Ramirez put the Statesmen on the board with a layup to take the 2-1 lead. The next play, Ramirez grabbed a rebound, found Jalen Smith for a Smith layup to extend the lead 4-1. The fast paced game continued to have back and forth scoring, however, the Statesmen held a 36-29 lead at the break. In the final six minutes of the game, the Bobcats took the 69-71 lead, while continuing to push the tempo until the buzzer. Richard Bland was able to come within three with 46 seconds remaining, but it was not enough as the Statesmen fell 89-92.

Emmanuel Vonhm led the way for the Statesmen with his second double-double of the season, scoring 24 points and grabbing 10 boards. Jalen Smith followed closely behind with his fourth double-double of the season with 20 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, and one steal. Andy Ramirez added 11 points and seven rebounds, Christian Chambers had nine points and three rebounds, and Doyle Brown had eight points in the loss. Off the bench, Jermaine Coston Jr. chipped in with eight points and Dove Fishburne scored seven points for Richard Bland.

Richard Bland shot 58.6% from the field, 33.3% from the perimeter, and 73.9% from the charity stripe.

The Richard Bland College Men's Basketball team next hosts Denmark Technical College on Saturday, January 18^th and Brunswick Community College on Sunday, January 19^th. Tip-off is set for 3pm against the Panthers, and 2pm against the Dolphins.