News Summary
The UNC Pembroke Braves dominated their basketball matchup against the Francis Marion Patriots, winning 103-70 at the Smith University Center. With this victory, the Braves improved their overall record to 19-6 and continued their impressive winning streak, solidifying their place as leaders in Conference Carolinas. Dallas Gardner led the Braves with 22 points, while Jonathan Kurtas and JaJuan Carr also contributed significantly. The Braves will next face North Greenville in an anticipated game where fans are encouraged to wear white to support the team.
Braves Soar Past Patriots in Dominating Basketball Showdown
Florence, S.C. was buzzing with excitement on Wednesday evening as the UNC Pembroke Braves showcased their basketball prowess in an electric matchup against the Francis Marion Patriots. The Braves stormed to a resounding victory, triumphing 103-70 in a thrilling contest held at the Smith University Center.
Braves Keep the Winning Streak Alive
With this victory, the Braves improved their impressive record to 19-6 overall and 16-2 in Conference Carolinas. The win marks the team’s eighth consecutive victory, solidifying their position as a formidable force in the league. Not only did the Braves manage to take down the Patriots, but they also stretched their winning streak over them to five games, asserting their dominance in this rivalry.
On the other hand, it was a tough night for the Patriots, who fell to 9-16 overall and 7-10 in Conference Carolinas. With four losses in their last five games, the Patriots are struggling to find their rhythm, especially at home, where they are now 5-7.
Game Highlights
The Braves wasted no time taking control of the game. An early tip-in from Jonathan Kurtas helped them surge ahead with an 11-5 lead. Francis Marion attempted to close the gap with a jumper from Horaces Jacques Jr., but Dallas Gardner quickly bounced back, extending the Braves’ lead to 19-9 with a stunning three-pointer.
As the first half progressed, UNC Pembroke shot a remarkable 52.5% from the field, demonstrating their offensive finesse. A beautiful triple from JaJuan Carr further propelled the Braves to a commanding 31-17 advantage with just over seven minutes left in the half. They finished the opening 20 minutes on a roll, closing on a spectacular 25-11 run and heading into halftime with a dominating score of 56-28.
The second half saw the Braves maintain their momentum. They initiated the period with a quick 7-2 run, pushing their lead to a jaw-dropping 63-30 just one minute in. With players like Steven Lassiter contributing a layup to push the score to 75-41, it was clear that the Braves were in control.
UNC Pembroke’s shooting prowess persisted throughout the game. In the second half alone, they recorded a shooting percentage of 53.1%. Their largest lead of the night reached a staggering 103-68 after a couple of free throws from Kurtas, who had an outstanding performance.
Stellar Individual Performances
Several players stood out with impressive performances. Dallas Gardner shone brightest, scoring a game-high 22 points while shooting 6-for-12 from the field. Jonathan Kurtas not only scored a personal best of 20 points but also grabbed eight rebounds, showcasing his versatility on the court. Meanwhile, JaJuan Carr chipped in with 15 points, basking in an impressive shooting performance, hitting 7-for-9.
As a team, UNC Pembroke finished the game with a remarkable 52.8% shooting percentage from the field, dwarfing Francis Marion’s 43.6%. The Braves also shined from beyond the arc, scoring 10-of-24 from three-point range while the Patriots struggled significantly, hitting just 1-for-11. The domination continued in the paint, with points tallied at 56-38.
The Braves capitalized on their opponents’ mistakes, snatching up 22 turnovers to convert into 27 points, further demonstrating their defensive prowess.
What’s Next for the Braves?
As the buzz from this thrilling game settles, the Braves are already focusing on their next matchup. They are set to face off against North Greenville on Saturday at 4 p.m. It promises to be an exciting game, and fans are encouraged to wear white for a special White Out event at Lumbee Guaranty Bank Court. With such a strong season, it’s no wonder the anticipation is building for another exhilarating game ahead!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
UNC Pembroke Women’s Basketball Triumphs in Championship
UNC Pembroke Women’s Soccer Defeated by Francis Marion in Conference Semifinal Showdown
Francis Marion University Patriots Set for Promising Basketball Season Amid Preseason Poll Predictions
Additional Resources
- Robesonian: Braves Silence Francis Marion
- Robesonian: UNCP Roundup – Pitching Dominant in Braves Doubleheader Sweep
- Footboom: FMU’s Trinity Adams Clinches Conference Player of the Week Honor
- Augusta Jags: Women’s Hoops Ranked No. 25 in D2CSC National Poll
- SC Now: Trinity Adams NCAA Florence
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Basketball
