Statesmen Open Conference Play with Win Over Eagles

SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, VA – The Richard Bland College Men's Basketball team hosted Wake Technical Community College Tuesday evening for their first conference contest of the season. After completion of the game, the Statesmen moved to 2-5 overall, 1-0 in conference play after defeating the Eagles,69-57.

Richard Bland got on the board first after winning the tip-off, allowing Doyle Brown to put the Statesmen up 2-0 out of the gate. Wake Tech hit a jumper to level the game at two, then fouled Jalen Smith. Smith hit both free throws, putting the Statesmen ahead 4-2. After 20 minutes of play, the Eagles managed to hold a two-point lead, 26-28 at the break. Richard Bland exploded for 43 points in the second half, allowing the Statesmen to hold on for the conference opener victory, 69-57, at home.

Three Statesmen scored double figures in the win, led by Doyle Brown with 20 points, five rebounds, three steals, two assists, and one block. Jalen Smith chipped in one rebound short of a double-double with 13 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Jermaine Coston Jr. scored his first double-double of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds on the night. Christian Chambers and Richard Agbo scored six points each, Dove Fishburne and Andy Ramirez five points each, and Emmanuel Vonhm two in the win.

Richard Bland shot 44.0% from the field and 66.7% from the charity stripe.

The Richard Bland College Men's Basketball team next hosts Camp Community College on Wednesday, December 11^th for a Region 10, non-conference contest. Tip-off is set for 7pm.