Late Rally Falls Short as Southwest Defeats Baton Rouge

Tuesday, November 19, 2024: Men's Basketball

 Summit, MS

The Baton Rouge Bears faced the Southwest Mississippi Bears tonight in the final game of the Southwest Mississippi Coca-Cola Classic in Summit, Mississippi. Despite a strong effort, the Baton Rouge Bears lost to Southwest with a final score of 65 to 59.

The first few minutes of the first half were somewhat disorganized, with neither team able to establish a significant lead. After five minutes, the score was tied at six points each. The Bears managed a mini-run, thanks to Cardez Norman's contributions off the bench, and took a 16-11 lead with a 10-3 run midway through the half. However, Southwest responded with a 9-0 run to pull ahead 18-16 with seven minutes left in the half. The final minutes saw both teams exchanging baskets and leads, but Southwest ultimately pulled away to take a narrow 29-26 lead into halftime.

At the break, Coach Starks urged his players to stick to their game plan and eliminate the sloppy play they exhibited in the first half.

The Bears emerged from the locker room energized and quickly tied the game at 29 with baskets from Cardez Norman and McKennis Savoie. However, over the next five minutes, Baton Rouge struggled to find its rhythm, allowing Southwest to go on a 13-0 run and take a commanding 42-29 lead. Throughout the second half, the Bears had difficulty defending Southwest in the paint and securing rebounds. Although Baton Rouge attempted a late-game rally, Southwest effectively countered, and the Bears ultimately lost 65 to 59.

Cardez Norman led the BRCC Bears in scoring with 12 points. The team had three players reach double figures: Dylan Dominique and Awak Machar each scored 10 points, while McKennis Savoie added 8 points. For Southwest, Tylik Weeks was the standout scorer with 22 points.

With this defeat, Baton Rouge's record fell to 4-2, while Southwest improved to 4-4 for the season. The all-time series between the two teams is now tied, with each having won 9 games.

Bears Highlights:

Cardez Norman led all the Bears with12 points.

Dylan Dominique and Awak Machar added 10 points each.

McKennis Savoie chipped in with 8 points.

The Bears will continue their road trip as they head to Bossier City, Louisiana, to participate in the Decari Markray Classic at Bossier Parish Community College on Monday and Tuesday, November 25-26. Their first opponent will be Navarro College on Monday, November 25, at 5 PM.

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