The Kent State Tuscarawas men's basketball team was swamped by a 29-8 first half close-out by Georgetown College in the opening game of the Coach Connor Classic at Thomas More University on Saturday. The Eagles lost the game 106-80.
After falling behind 5-0, the Golden Eagles finally got untracked with a basket on a spin move in the lane by London Cobbs nearly three minutes into the contest. Moments later DeJuan Lawrence buried a 15-foot baseline jumper and added a dunk to cut a six-point Tiger lead to 8-6.
The two teams traded buckets until Arthur Jackson's triple at the 13:59 mark got the Eagles to within one (12-11). It was as close as the Navy and Gold would get.
The victorious Tigers (4-0), members of the NAIA Mid-South Conference and ranked 21st in the nation in preseason polls, used a 7-0 run to break open a close game 19-11.
Still, KSU Tusc fought back. A Jackson follow of a missed layup, a trey and short jumper by Cobbs and a finish in the lane by DeJuan Lawrence with 8:48 to play in the opening half held Georgetown in check but still holding a 26-21 lead.
Then the dam burst.
The Eagles victimized themselves with several consecutive turnovers and two missed free throws, as the Tigers opened the flood gates going on 16-0 run before JaJuante Young's bucket at the 4:04 mark plugged the breach---momentarily. The damage was done however, and Georgetown surged to a 55-29 halftime advantage outscoring the Eagles 29-8 over the final 8:30 for the decisive win. The Eagles matched the Tigers second half output as both teams scored 51 points.
Lawrence led the Eagles in scoring converting on 8/11 action shots for 16 points. He also grabbed 11 rebounds and blocked two shots. Joining him in double figures were Arthur Jackson (6/8 FGs) and Kyle Shockley (6/11 FGs) who scored 14 points apiece, while London Cobbs added 11 (5/9 FGs).
Despite the loss, KSU Tusc shot 49% from the field.
On Sunday the Golden Eagles now 2-1 on the season play Thomas More University in a 1:00 p.m. tip.
DeJuan Lawrence blocks another shot.
Arthur Jackson (right) battles for a rebound. (Photos by Jason Keller)