Gaston College improves to 9-3 with win over Double Exposure Hoops Academy

Gaston College used a strong start to each half to cruise to an 89-48 victory over Double Exposure Hoops Academy of Charlotte on Wednesday night at the Ashbrook High gymnasium in Gastonia.

The victory improves the Rhinos to 9-3 entering Sunday's 2 p.m. Region 10 opener at home against Brunswick Community College.

"We did what we were supposed to do but it gets real on Sunday," Gaston College coach Jamie Rosser said.

All 12 Rhinos who played scored points. Jamal Ukaegbu (13 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals), Jordan Guthrie (12 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists), Michael Smith (10 points, 7 rebounds), Tyree Bracey (9 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists), Dee Merriweather (9 points, 3 rebounds) and Chaundre Bratcher (9 points, 3 assists) led the balanced attack.

Gaston College scored the game's first 14 points before taking a 37-25 halftime lead. Then the Rhinos used a 15-2 burst to open the second half before taking the 41-point victory.

"I'm proud of my guys' effort," Rosser said. "We showed some things that we didn't show in the last game. And that was effort, passionate basketball, and communication with each other. Those are the things that really help you win games."

Bracey, playing his first game since November 2, impressed his coach with an all-around effort. And Ajaden Gray had all six of his rebounds in the second half.

"Ajaden Gray came in and got a bunch of rebounds down the stretch," Rosser said. "And having Tyree Bracey back was really good. He's able to stretch the floor for us. He didn't have a great offensive night, but he did a lot of other good things for us."