STAUNTON, Va. — Doug Smith posted a double-double and
Clayton Robinson scored a team-high 15 points as Pfeiffer held off Mary Baldwin 67–65 on Saturday in USA South play at the MBU Physical Activity Center.
Smith dominated inside for the Falcons (16–8, 12–2 USA South), finishing with 13 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks while shooting 6 of 8 from the field. Pfeiffer controlled the paint throughout, outscoring Mary Baldwin 42–30 inside and grabbing 16 offensive rebounds that led to 22 second-chance points.
Robinson went 4 of 10 from the field and 3 of 7 from deep, adding six rebounds and four made free throws, including two in the final two minutes that helped the Falcons maintain their narrow lead. Sean
Sucarichi scored 9 points and was strong around the rim, while
Sunni Wrice provided an efficient 8 points off the bench.
Pfeiffer led 39–35 at halftime and extended the margin to 48–38 early in the second half before Mary Baldwin (11–13, 5–9) rallied behind Malachi Washington and Raymond Benton. Washington posted 12 points and nine rebounds, while Benton led the Squirrels with 16 points and six boards.
DJ Via added 12 points, knocking down two 3-pointers, and Corey Easton chipped in 13 points off the bench, including three 3s that helped keep Mary Baldwin within striking distance.
After Smith's putback layup pushed Pfeiffer ahead 67–62 with 33 seconds left, Via drilled a 3-pointer to cut the margin to two. The Squirrels forced a missed free throw on the ensuing possession but could not convert on their final shot as time expired.
Pfeiffer shot 44 percent from the field and turned the ball over just seven times, while Mary Baldwin shot 42 percent and was hurt by 8 turnovers and a 4-for-8 performance at the free-throw line.
By virtue of the win, Pfeiffer takes the USA South Regular Season Championship for the second-consecutive year and will host a semifinal game on Thursday, Feb. 26. Pfeiffer will take on the winner of the winner of the first round game between fourth-seeded Methodist and fifth-seeded Greensboro.
