Late surge sends Philander Smith past Rams

AUSTIN – Huston-Tillotson University's men's basketball team concluded their season-opening weekend at the Austin Area Urban League's HBCU Classic with a 67-58 setback to Philander Smith (Ark.).
 
At the Austin Convention Center, Khuath Gatkuoth turned in a double-double performance for the Rams, scoring 20 points and securing 10 rebounds. His output was matched by a 20-point, 17-rebound performance from Philander Smith's Raymond Reece.
 
The Rams overcame an 11-point deficit in the first half and went into halftime tied with the Panthers 33-33. HT would build a nine-point lead with 15:33 remaining in the second half, but eight unanswered Philander Smith points over the next two minutes allowed the Panthers to cut home team's lead to 44-43.
 
Philander Smith pulled away late in the game with 14-2 run between the 5:48 and 2:10 marks in the second half, giving the Panthers a 64-55 advantage.
 
HT committed only 13 turnovers in the game, 10 fewer than the Panthers, but the visitors from Little Rock enjoyed a 38-11 advantage in free throw attempts. The Panthers made 30 of their 38 attempts (78.9 percent).
 
Charles Hallmon scored seven points and pulled in nine rebounds for the Rams, while his teammates Ja'Patrick Blackmon and Braelon Seals scored seven points apiece off the HT bench.
 
The Rams open Red River Athletic Conference play Thursday when they travel to Dallas to face Paul Quinn College. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., approximately a half-hour after the conclusion of the women's game between the two schools.

– HT –