LaGRANGE, GA – The Greensboro College Pride men's basketball team returned to the court on Sunday afternoon to take on the Panthers of LaGrange College. The Pride men battled back and forth with the Panthers, coming away with a 97-95 victory behind 28 points by Simeon Howard.
In the first half of play, Greensboro College was able to jump out to a sixteen point lead just nine minutes into the contest at 28-12. En route to the large margin, Joseph Gatling caught fire from behind the arch connecting on three long range shots resulting in nine of his thirteen first half points.
After Greensboro ran out the sixteen point lead, the Panthers were able to come back to tie the game with 3:30 to play in the half at 34-34. As the time ticked down in the half, the two teams traded baskets back and forth when Devan Gregory capped off the first half scoring with another long ball sending the Pride men into the halftime period with a 46-45 advantage.
Once the two teams came back out on the court for the second half of play, the Panthers came to life storming out in front of the Pride 59-48 with 16 minutes to play. Once Greensboro fell behind by the eleven point margin they were then able to pull back within one point at 64-63 following a three point basket by Simeon Howard.
Quickly following the three point basket by Howard, LaGrange extended their lead back out before the Pride was able to retake the lead at 91-90 with 2:42 showing on the clock. Greensboro then extended out to a five point lead at 97-92 before holding on for the two point victory.
"Our staff and players did a great job finishing out the game today," Pride Head Men's Basketball Coach Bryan Galuski said. "I am very proud of the way that we battled and found a way to come away with the victory over a very strong LaGrange team. This road trip has been a really good learning experience for our guys, but we have a lot to work on going forward."
Freshman guard Joseph Gatling also finished in the game with a career high 21 points on 7-8 shooting from the field along with a perfect 4-4 from long range. Devan Gregory also chipped in 19 points.
With the win Greensboro College moves to 8-5 overall and 1-1 in the USA South Athletic Conference. The Pride men will continue USA South play when they return home on Friday night against the Scots of Maryville at 5:30 PM
