Gaston College still seeks first Region 10 victory after tough home loss

Gaston College overcame a slow start on Saturday afternoon against Cape Fear Community College at Gastonia's Ashbrook High School.

But the Rhinos couldn't overcome a slow finish in an 83-73 loss that dropped them to 0-3 in Region 10 play and 6-10 overall.

"I'm looking at the 'L' as not just a loss but a learning opportunity," Gaston College interim head coach Jermaine Williams said.

The Rhinos trailed by as many as seven points in the first half before closing within 47-42 at the break, took as much as a seven-point lead at 59-52 and was ahead 69-64 with 6:43 left.

But the visiting Sea Devils, the defending Region 10 champions, scored the next 13 points and closed the game on a 19-4 surge to improve their record to 3-2 in Region 10 and 9-5 overall.

"There's going to continue to be challenges in each game we play," Williams said. "And we're continuing to work on the little things.
"We had a slow start today and figured out some things and made some plays but we didn't get enough key stops, especially late in the second half."

Asil Hoyle (20 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists), Jamal Ukaegbu (14 points, 8 rebounds), Judah Ravenell (13 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists), Tyheim Love (9 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists) and Yarayah Evans (9 points) led the Rhinos.

Gaston College's biggest challenge was in committing 24 turnovers. That matched a season-high first set in the 93-48 loss in their region opener at Spartanburg Methodist on Jan. 11.

The Rhinos return to action on Monday at Ashbrook in an 8 p.m. game against Region 10 rival USC Salkehatchie.

"We understand we have a challenging matchup on Monday and we'll be ready," Williams said. "I'm optimistic about this team. We are right there. We've just got to get over the hump."