Night Hawks increase their winning streak to three

Jan. 14—MOUNT VERNON- The Thomas University men's basketball team (7-9, 6-4 SSAC) has extended their winning streak to three after defeating the Barons of Brewton-Parker College (6-11, 2-7 SSAC) on Saturday afternoon.

The Night Hawks would begin the contest with little offensive production, and trail by as much as ten points, 12-22, with just over eleven minutes remaining in the first half. They would then come storming back in the form of a 16-0 run highlighted by a Jailin Lee lob and Noah Lattin slam. Following the dunk, the Night Hawks would hold a six point advantage over the Barons, 28-22, with just under seven minutes remaining in the first half of play. However, the Barons would not be held down for long. The Barons would go on a run of their own and cut the deficit to two points with twenty seconds remaining in the first half. The Night Hawks would lead the Barons, 36-34, heading into the break.

On the Night Hawks' first possession of the second half, Andre Lightbourne would connect on a deep three to extend Thomas' lead to five. However, the Barons would quickly provide a response. Three minutes into the second half, they would connect on back to back three pointers to cut the deficit to one. One minute later, they would drain an additional three pointer to take the lead, 43-41. Lee would then provide the answer for Thomas by sinking a tough jumper and a deep three on consecutive possessions to give the Night Hawks a 58-49 lead with nine minutes remaining in regulation. The Barons would continue to crawl back into the contest with each possession and pull within three points at the seven minute mark. Lee would provide the answer, yet again, with a layup and three pointer to extend Thomas' lead to eleven with four minutes remaining in regulation. From there, Lee and Joshua Robertson would put the Barons away from the free throw line. The Night Hawks would return to the Rose City with a 77-64 victory.

Lee would have a breakout performance, and lead the Night Hawks in three separate categories. Lee would record 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. Tyson Anderson would add 12 points and 4 assists. Noah Lattin would supply 11 points, while Joshua Robertson would produce 10. As a team, the Night Hawks shot 45% from the field, 36% from behind the arc, and 90% from the charity stripe.

The Night Hawks will be back in action on January, 17th to face Paine College. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. in the TU Gymnasium.