Men’s Basketball Downs Panthers, Falls to Indians in Conference Weekend

SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, VA – The Richard Bland College Men's Basketball team traveled to Denmark Technical College Friday evening, and USC Salkehatchie Saturday afternoon for conference clashes with the Panthers and Indians. After completion of the games, the Statesmen moved to 7-15 overall, 5-7 in conference play after defeating the Panthers 78-70 in overtime, and falling 87-90 to the Indians.

Friday evening, Richard Bland trailed the Panthers 32-35 at the break. The Statesmen came out hot in the second half, outscoring the Panthers 30-27 to force an overtime period. The Panthers put eight points on the board in the extra period, which the Statesmen doubled, with 16, to hang on for the 78-70 conference win. Doyle Brown led the way for the Statesmen with 30 points in the game. Andy Ramirez tallied 22 points, six rebounds, three steals, and one assist. Jermaine Coston Jr. chipped in with his sixth double-double of the season, scoring 13 points and grabbing 11 boards. Dove Fishburne added six points, Jalen Smith five, and Emmanuel Vonhm two in the win.

Richard Bland shot 54.5% from the field, 57.1% from the perimeter, and 64.7% from the charity stripe.

Saturday afternoon, Richard Bland held a narrow lead after 20 minutes of play, 38-36. Coming out of halftime, the Indians showed an edge and outscored the Statesmen 49-54, as Richard Bland fell on a three-point buzzer beater. Andy Ramirez led the way for Richard Bland with 29 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and three steals, while Doyle Brown had another great outing, scoring 28 points and assisting on five occasions. Jermaine Coston Jr. tallied his seventh double-double of the season with 18 points, 10 rebounds, four steals, and two blocks. Off the bench, Christian Chambers added eight points and Richard Agbo four in the loss. Jalen Smith had nine assists and grabbed six boards.

Richard Bland shot 70.0% from the field, 43.8% from the perimeter, and 83.3% from the charity stripe.

The Richard Bland College Men's Basketball team next hosts Cape Fear Community College on Wednesday, March 5^th at 6pm. Prior to the game, the team will honor their lone sophomore, Jalen Smith.