HOBBS, N.M. – Huston-Tillotson University's men's basketball team led from start to finish Thursday but had to fend off a spirited challenge from the University of the Southwest (N.M.) and its home crowd before securing a 79-76 win.
Senior transfer
Jacob Brown scored 24 points on 8-of-13 shooting to lead the Rams (4-10), who improved to 2-6 in Red River Athletic Conference play with the victory.
Safee "R.J." Shepard scored 14 points off the HT bench, none bigger than two key free throws with nine seconds remaining to give the Rams their final margin of victory.
James Harrison and
Auston Chatman scored 10 points apiece for HT.
Anthony Scott scored 22 points to lead the Mustangs (6-8, 3-5 RRAC).
The Rams led by as many as 14 points with 12:13 remaining in the second half, but a change in the momentum helped the Mustangs get close. Southwest cut the HT's lead to one point with less than four minutes remaining, but was unable to tie or take the lead.
Some of the officials' calls drew the ire of HT's small but vocal crowd in the second half as the Mustangs went to the free throw line 40 times in the game, making 26 of their attempts. The Rams made 20 out of their 28 free throws.
The Rams outrebounded Southwest 51-37 in the game and outscored their hosts 20-9 in second-chance points. On the other side of the court, Southwest forced 17 turnovers while committing only eight, and enjoyed a 19-7 advantage in points off turnovers.
The Rams return to action Saturday when they visit Paul Quinn College. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.
– HT –
