MISENHEIMER, N.C. – The Greensboro College men's basketball team overcame a 24-point halftime deficit to top the Falcons of Pfeiffer University Sunday, 109-105.
The Pride offense struggled over the first seven minutes of action, which allowed the Falcons to establish a 24-10 lead.
After finding themselves facing the deficit, Greensboro was able to pull within nine points following a 17-12 run. During the run, Greensboro connected on six of their nine shots from the field, including two-of-three from the three-point line.
Darus Maddox fueled the run with four points, while
Cornelius Johnson,
Daron Gipson and
Justin Minnis each had one three-pointer.
Despite pulling to within single digits, the Pride was unable to hold the momentum over the final eight minutes of the half and went into halftime trailing by 24 points.
However, the Pride offense quickly came back to life in the second half.
Johnson quickly started the second-half scoring with an old fashion three-point play that sparked a 29-5 run to tie the game with 12:31 showing on the clock. Following the three-point play, Johnson went on a score eight more points, while Garrison hit on back-to-back three-point attempts before Minnis hit from long-range to tie the game at 73.
Pfeiffer was then able to regain a six-point advantage with 4:07 left to play, but the Pride would not back down.
Greensboro went on to pull within three points on two separate occasions down the stretch but the Falcons were able to maintain their advantage heading into the final 1:30 of the contest.
With 1:24 showing on the clock,
Demetrius Tilley recorded his first basket of the game to pull the Pride to within four points before Gipson hit his third and final three-pointer of the afternoon to make the score 105-104 in favor of the Falcons.
Following the three-pointer, Gipson was able to record a steal on the defensive side of the floor and go coast-to-coast to put the Pride on top by one point, while also drawing the foul.
After Gipson converted on the three-point play attempt, Tilley sank two free throws with four seconds remaining to seal the victory.
"Outstanding win for our players," Head Coach
Bryan Galuski said. "If anyone wants the definition for teamwork, they need to watch how the Pride played in the second half.
"That was the greatest comeback I have ever been involved in. I am really happy for our players. They deserve it. This one was for you KJ."
Johnson, who finished with a game-high 25 points and 11 rebounds, was one of five Greensboro players to score in double figures. Gipson finished with 23 points, while Garrison finished with 17 points. Minnis and Gatling had 11 and 10 points respectively.
Greensboro finished the game shooting 58 percent (37-64) from the field and 46 percent (11-24) from three-point range. The Pride also forced the Falcons to commit 23 turnovers, which resulted in 34 points.
The Pride men will return to action at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday when they host the Panthers of Ferrum College. For more information on Greensboro College men's basketball, continue to follow www.greensborocollegesports.com.
