McMullin on Target in GA as Flyers Improve to 4-0 in Conference

The Sandhills Community College basketball team trailed for most of the first half before pulling away for an 87-70 Region 10 victory over Oxford College of Emory University in Oxford, GA on Saturday afternoon. 

The Eagles' Isaac Snyder poured in 20 of his game-high 26 points in the first half to spark the home team's strong start. Joey McMullin was 8-for-8 from the charity stripe in the opening half, and scored 14 of his team-high 20 points, to help the Flyers rally from as much as an eight-point deficit to a 39-35 lead at the intermission.

The Eagles trailed by 12 at the midway point of the second half before rallying to close the gap to 53-51 with about 12 minutes remaining in the game.  Jamori McDougald helped turn the momentum back in the Flyers' direction by draining a three. Moments later, the freshman guard took a charge, and then forced another turnover, sparking a decisive 15-4 Flyers run.

McMullin finished 10-for-10 at the foul line and the Flyers were 18-for-19 overall.  Jaquan Thurman chipped in with a dozen points.  Bryan Quiller and McDougald added 10 apiece. Chris Hunter was credited with a season-high eight assists.  Zac Sledge grabbed nine rebounds to lead the team in that department.

Coach Mike Apple's No. 1 ranked in NJCAA Division III squad improved to 22-3 overall and 4-0 in the conference. The Eagles dropped to 11-10 and 0-4.

"It was our first Region 10 game on the road and they were ready for us and jumped on us early," Apple said later. "We survived, but I didn't feel we played to our potential, especially offensively."

Monday's originally scheduled home game against the St. Andrews junior varsity has been canceled. The Flyers return to action on Wednesday, meeting Division I Richard Bland of Petersburg, VA at 7 p.m. at The Hangar. The Statesmen come in with an overall record of 11-12.

C. Bergmann