GALLATIN, Tenn. – The SMWC Men's Basketball team (3-20, 0-12) earned their third win of the season is dramatic fashion last night over Welch College 79-78. The Pomeroys were down by six with 40 seconds left in the game, but stormed back to tie it and send the game into overtime where they would win on a last-second free throw. Freshman Jadyn McHugh erupted for 31 points on the night while adding five rebounds and scoring the team's last six points. The Pomeroys will look to build on their momentum this Thursday when they host Ohio Christian University at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Game Summary
1st Half: Welch would get out to a six point lead early but some big shots including a dagger 3-pointer from Elkin Ramirez would pull the Pomeroys back. The score would go back and forth until McHugh started to take control as the Flames had no answer for him on the night. SMWC would grow the lead to nine near the end of the half and settle for a 6-point halftime lead after allowing some easy points in the paint by Welch.
2nd Half: SMWC kept the momentum going, pushing their lead to 12 quickly as McHugh and Robert DeSilvia started going to work. The lead would quickly evaporate as the Flames went on a 15-2 run just 5 minutes into the half to take a one-point lead. It was clear that fatigue was starting to set in for the Pomeroys and the reality of letting this one slip away was growing. The Pomeroys would keep it close as a 6-point game with 40 seconds left to play when a deep three by DeSilvia would give the Pomeroys life with 30 seconds to play. The Pomeroys were forced to quickly foul and Welch's two shots put them back up by five. The team did a great job getting down the court and giving Dakota Sampson a good look for another three to make it a two-point game. In a season of missed opportunities, the Pomeroys came up clutch and another quick foul would send Welch to the line for a 1-and-1 with 17 seconds left and one of the Flame's better shooters at the line. They would miss the shot but rebound and get fouled again for another chance. With Welch's 2nd chance spoiled, the Pomeroys sprinted down the court and a slick move by McHugh wouldn't go but Sampson's put-back tied the game with just 3 seconds left.
Overtime: DeSilvia was called early for a questionable charge to turn the ball over and Welch would strike first with a missed jumper but last ditch shot off the rebound and a foul. With the Flame's missed free throw they would hold a two-point lead for the next two minutes as neither team could make anything happen. McHugh would start to go to work and tie the game with a tough layup and then give SMWC the lead 78-76 with less than a minute left. McHugh's next shot with 26 seconds left would bounce around and pop out with Sampson being called for the over-the-back foul and giving Welch a chance to tie it. They would hit both of their shots to tie it and the Pomeroys would look to take the lead back. McHugh's missed mid-range jumper would come with a foul and two shots with three seconds left and a chance to win it. McHugh would miss his first shot but would tune out the crowd and knock down his second shot for a 79-78 lead. Welch's inbounds pass would be tipped by Damon Ogletree and SMWC would hold on in exciting fashion for their third win of the season.
By The Numbers
- McHugh's 31 points is his highest point total of the season on the team and tied for 7th in the RSC in a single-game. His 14-23 shooting also puts him tied for 2nd and 3rd in the RSC in field goals made and attempted, respectively.
- He would be followed in scoring by DeSilvia with 15 and Sampson with 13.
- Sampson's 13 points went with his 8 rebounds and 3 blocks to lead the team in both categories. Isaiah Sims would also add 8 rebounds of his own.
- The Pomeroys were out-rebounded, turned the ball over over more, and committed 18 fouls to Welch's 11 but still showed grit and determination when knocking down big shots at the right time.
Next Up
The Men's basketball team will return home to face Ohio Christian Unviersity this Thursday, February 10th at 7:30 p.m. ET.
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