Johnson & Wales University Men's Basketball Team took to the hardwood on Saturday afternoon when they faced off against the Mighty Sabers of Barber- Scotia College
The Wildcats would enter the contest eager to compete, as they were looking to avenge an earlier season loss to Barber-Scotia.
JWU would begin the contest struggling to execute offensively, and defensively, while the Mighty Sabers would open a sizable lead behind solid offensive play from numerous players, primarily # 21.
The Wildcats would continue to struggle as the first half progressed as they were routinely plagued by poor offensive production, and self imposed turnovers.
As the first half drew to an end, Barber-Scotia would continue to pound the ball in the paint as they looked to expand their lead as half-time approached. Although trailing by double digits, Johnson & Wales would produce a late first half run sparked by the strong play from guard Rodrick Latimer.
Upon the beginning of the second half of play, JWU would come out with an aggressive approach on both ends of the floor. The Wildcats were able to string together numerous stops on the defensive end which translated to easy baskets on the offensive end of the floor.
The Wildcats would later apply a press defense in hopes of forcing the Mighty Sabers into turnovers for points. The plan would work early, but would come back to haunt JWU as the continued to turn the ball over themselves.
JWU would manage to trim the lead to nine points early, and often during the second half, but Barber-Scotia College behind stellar offensive play from # 32 were successfully able to fend off numerous Wildcat runs.
After back and forth scoring throughout the first ten minutes of play in the second half on behalf of both teams, the tempo of the game would drastically slow down as foul trouble would begin to plague Johnson & Wales University.
Barber – Scotia would routinely convert their free throw opportunities which would extend the lead deep into the second half. Barber-Scotia would eventually hold off the Wildcats to record the victory in Saturday's contest.
Johnson & Wales University will take the floor again on February 16th when they travel to Fayetteville, NC to face off against the Broncos of Fayetteville State University.
