Gaston College completes weekend sweep of games in Tennessee on Saturday

Less than 24 hours after a grueling overtime win over host Walters State Community College, Gaston College showed more grit and resolve on Saturday in a 76-62 victory over Motlow State Community College.

Playing in the Senators Tip-Off in Morristown, Tennessee, the Rhinos improved to 3-0 on the season with back-to-back victories.

"We told our guys that both teams are going to be fatigued and whomever can survive the fatigue is going to win the game," said Gaston College coach Jamie Rosser, whose team outscored Motlow State 40-31 in the second half to pull away for a victory. "And my guys really responded. We stayed together and pulled together."

Asil Hoyle (22 points, 8 assists), Jamal Ukaegbu (14 points, 8 rebounds, 4 steals), Joshua Johnson (11 points, 6 rebounds), Caleb McCarty (11 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocked shots), DaMarco Watson (8 points, 4 rebounds, 9 assists) and Dedrick Givens (8 points, 8 rebounds) led the Rhinos in Saturday's victory.

Gaston College led 36-33 at halftime.

Hoyle, a freshman from Charlotte, continues to impress Rosser with his point guard play.

"Asil Hoyle is playing big time basketball for us, he again went out and made plays for others first and ended with another game high with 22 points," Rosser said. "His game is almost 'old school.' He's letting the game happen. He knows when to play fast and when to tuck and execute our plays. He's just a gem to have and a joy to watch. He plays basketball the right way. That's really a lost art and we do not take it for granted."

Sophomore newcomer McCarty was another standout.

"Caleb McCarty hit big 3's, had big rebounds and big-time blocks," Rosser said. "He's getting his wind back from that illness and he's getting better and better. He really gave us that inside presence that we needed."

Another newcomer, Jamal Ukaegbu, also shined, especially on the defensive end.

"Jamal Ukaegbu defended their sharpshooter all night," Rosser said. "He paid great attention to detail and it helped us hold 6-foot-6 guard MiQuan Tucker to 11 points. They all did a great job putting pressure on a very good 6-5 Dylan Wade to keep him at eight points. That was ultimately the determining factor of our success. Again, here we are laying our hats on defense and that's the mindset we must continue to stay in championship mode."

Gaston College returns to their home court after the weekend sweep of games in Tennessee to host Combine Academy of Lincolnton, on Wednesday, at 8 p.m., and Lakeside Prep Academy of Huntersville, on Saturday, at 3 p.m. Both games will be played at Gastonia's Ashbrook High School.