Gaston College bounces back with win at Catawba Valley Community College

Less than 24 hours after a disappointing loss in the opener of the Catawba Valley Classic, Gaston College was a different team against the host Red Hawks.

And the result - a 90-81 victory at the Tarlton Complex - improved the Rhinos to 2-2 on the season.

Interim head coach Jermaine Williams welcomed the return of swingman Jamal Ukaegbu to the lineup and Gaston College responded by overcoming a early deficit to take 48-41 halftime lead then build as much as 13-point lead in the second half before holding off repeated Catawba Valley Community College rallies.

"We got a win and wins are hard to come by," Williams said. "And we'll take a win whenever we can get it."

Ukaegbu, out with an injury for Friday's 99-79 loss to Patrick & Henry Community College, seemed to have a settling influence on the team, particularly on the defensive end.

A sophomore from Silver Spring, Md., Ukaegbu had his typical all-around effort (9 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists) and he was part of a balanced effort that also got top contributions from Michael Smith (19 points, 8 rebounds), Kush Carter (17 points), Asil Hoyle (16 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals), Tyheim Love (9 points, 3 assists), Ajaden Gray (9 points), Jalante Edwards (7 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists) and Judah Ravenell (4 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists).

"I guess he proved to be a calming factor because of his toughness and his zero-backdown defensive intensity and the intangibles he brings to the game," Williams said of Ukaegbu's return. "Obviously we played better today than yesterday and we can credit him for that."

After trailing 26-22 with 8:02 left in the opening half, the Rhinos closed on a 26-15 surge before intermission for a 48-41 advantage at the break.

Gaston College roared ahead 63-50 with 14:02 to play and were still ahead 64-51 with 12:29 left before the Red Hawks got as close as three points at 79-76 with 3:28 to play. Smith, Carter and Ukaegbu then hit huge buckets to keep the Rhinos comfortably ahead.

Gaston College returns to action on Thursday at 6 p.m. at Cleveland Community College.