Gaston College suffers another disappointing Region 10 loss
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Spartanburg Methodist | 31 | 40 | 71 |
|
Gaston College | 29 | 40 | 69 |
With its postseason tournament life on the line, Gaston College suffered a disappointing Region 10 loss on Saturday afternoon in a 71-69 defeat to Spartanburg Methodist at Gastonia's Ashbrook High gymnasium.
The Rhinos, pushing to avoid last place in Region 10 that would keep them out of the postseason tournament, held leads in each half but couldn't overcome a late surge by Spartanburg Methodist (19-11 overall, 9-7 Region 10).
"It was another 'must win' game for us," Gaston College interim head coach Jermaine Williams said. "We knew and know what's at stake. We didn't play better for longer stretches than SMC at the end of the day. We had too many chances that should've gone our way but didn't."
The Rhinos (9-19, 2-13) were led by Tyheim Love (19 points, 5 rebounds), Asil Hoyle (18 points, 6 asists) and Judah Ravenell (18 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists), who combined for Gaston College's 10 3-pointers.
But after the Rhinos led 25-17 with 7:07 left in the opening half, the visitors closed the half on a 14-4 surge to take a 31-29 lead at the break.
And, in the second half, after building a 60-57 lead with 5:05 to play, the Pioneers scored the next 10 points to take control of the game.
Gaston College closed within 67-66 with 38.2 seconds left before Spartanburg Methodist scored on its final two possessions to close out the win.
"Overall, I thought we competed, played well, played hard, and were tough," Williams said. "It just needed to be more."
The Rhinos have a quick turnaround as Sunday at 4:30 p.m., they host Hosanna Bible College at the Ashbrook gymnasium on a day where they will honor sophomores Yarayah Evans, Ajaden Gray, Asil Hoyle, Michael Smith and Jamal Ukaegbu. Gaston College's regular season finale is Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Ashbrook against Richard Bland College.
"Tomorrow is a celebration for the sophomores," Williams said. We will honor that, go back to the drawing board, and look forward to competing and winning the game against Richard Bland."