Greyhounds Win First Ever Matchup Against The Ridge Runners

In the first ever matchup against Phillips Community College University of Arkansas, ASU Mid-South hosted the Ridge Runners on Monday night.

"For the first 6 minutes of the game I was extrememly proud with how we came out to play scoring 17 points in that time. The rest of the first half was not ideal though. We struggled taking care of the ball, just stopped playing unmotivated and we allowed them to crawl back into the game and give them momentum going into the half. We're too good of an offensive team to only score 9 points in the remainder of the first half, so we'll evaluate that in the film room tomorrow and make adjustments. 2nd half started out how we ended the first half just not being focused on what we're supposed to do. We got Jermaine in the game early in the 2nd half, and he really provided a spark for us to really help turn things around for the remainder of the game. It was really good to see Samuel come and play with the confidence we've been looking for. Same with Darren, I thought he played exceptional tonight and we needed it. Lastly, Taylor who stepped up and played really well. Those guys right there were very pivotal in marching leading us to a win. I'm really proud of them all, but we have to play for a full 40 minutes. We'll get back to work tomorrow, and get ready for a really talented SEARK team on Thursday." head coach Cody Hastings said after the game.

The Greyhounds got the scoring started early on a nice feed from Samuel Chapin to Davonta Tucker for a wide open layup to get the scoring started on the opening possession, followed by Hugh McFarland finding a trailing Jaxson Yancy for a fast break 3. For the first few minutes for the Greyhounds, their defense was causing havoc for the Ridge Runners turning them over and forcing tough difficult shots gaining an early 10 point lead. That's when things started to slow down for the Greyhounds as PCCUA just clawed their way back into the game and eventually only trailed ASU Mid-South 26-25 going into the break.

Both teams would start the second half trading baskets, before PCCUA would push their lead to 3 on a couple of separate occassions. Jermaine Christopher would find Darren Wallace for a 3 at the top of the key which would give the Greyhounds back the lead that they would not give back up. ASU Mid-South would push their lead all the way up to 15 on an offensive rebound putback by Taylor Conner with just over 5 minutes remaining. The Ridge Runners were able to cut the lead to 7 with just under 2 minutes remaining, but the Greyhounds were able to withstand the comeback giving them an 75-65 victory.

PCCUA's scoring leaders were Charleston Wallace with 16, Mitchell Hicks 15, Jeremiah Arnold with 14, and Malik Smith with 10. 

ASU Mid-South was led by Jaxson Yancy who had 19 points to go along with 11 rebounds earning his first double double as a Greyhound. Samuel Chapin with his season high 15. Darren Wallace scored 12 and Taylor Conner rounded out the double digit scorers with 11 on a perfect 5 for 5 from the field. Hugh McFarland finished with a game high 6 assists.

With the win, the Greyhounds move to 5-8 on the season. They host Southeast Arkansas Thursday, December 12. Tip-off is set for 7:30.