ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. (Feb. 20, 2024) --The Pfeiffer University men's basketball team shot 50 percent from three-point range on the way to a 93-87 victory against the North Carolina Wesleyan Battling Bishops on the road Tuesday in the first round of the USA South Tournament.
The Falcons (10-13) had four players score in double figures, led by Daymon Beckwith, who had 18 points and two steals. Doug Smith tacked on 15 points, six rebounds, three steals and five blocks and Sean Sucarichi helped out with 14 points.
The Pfeiffer offense was strong from deep, making nine threes on 18 attempts. Sophomore Ty Black hit four treys for the Falcons in the contest.
Pfeiffer did a great job disrupting North Carolina Wesleyan shots in the contest, coming away with seven blocks. Smith's five rejections led the way individually for the Falcons.
How It Happened
After falling behind 34-31, Pfeiffer went on a 6-0 run with 1:27 left in the first half, culminating in a three from Smith, to take a 37-34 lead, a score that would hold until halftime. Pfeiffer capitalized on 11 North Carolina Wesleyan turnovers in the period, turning them into 14 points on the other end of the floor.
The Battling Bishops proceeded to tie things up at 45-45 before Pfeiffer went on an 8-0 run, finished off by Jaylen Hamilton's layup, to seize a 53-45 lead with 12:31 to go in the contest. The Battling Bishops narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Falcons still cruised the rest of the way for the 93-87 win. Pfeiffer got a boost from its bench in the period, as non-starters accounted for 37 of its 56 total points.
Game Notes
» The Falcons made half of their attempts from three point range, knocking down nine of 18 shots.
» The Pfeiffer bench came alive by adding 47 points to its scoring output.
»
Daymon Beckwith and
Ty Black came off the bench to score 18 and 14 points, respectively.
» The Pfeiffer defense forced 16 turnovers.
» The Falcons were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, recording seven blocks as a team.
» Pfeiffer cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 10 offensive boards in the game.
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Daymon Beckwith led the Falcons with 18 points.
» Pfeiffer got a team-high six rebounds from
Doug Smith.
Up Next
Pfeiffer advances to the semifinals of the USA South Tournament and will travel to No. 2 seeded and rival Greensboro College on Thursday, Feb. 22 at 7:00 p.m.
