Men’s basketball player sets record; women win fourth in a row

By Joel Beachum
Staff Writer

The fans were on their feet cheering and chanting for UNCP to hold onto the lead Feb. 9 at the Jones Center.

The Braves had just taken the women’s game by a 57-51 score and now the men’s basketball team had a chance to make it a sweep of the Francis Marion Patriots.

After sophomore forward Jarrell Hunter knocked down his record-setting seventh three-point basket and junior guard Adam Shepherdson scored his second three of the night, the game looked to be a lock.

Hunter finished the game going 7-for-17 from the field and 7-for-13 from the three-point mark with 21 points.

“My teammates found me and I hit the shots,” Hunter said. “It just happened to fall for me tonight. It could be anybody. I could be off and someone else step up for us.”

Down the stretch the Braves had good basketball management coming away with an important 68-67 victory.

“We just played team ball. We looked for the open shot,” Hunter said. “Coach worked us hard at practice and we played hard tonight.”

UNCP head coach of men’s basketball Jason Tinsley commented on the game.

“I thought that our kids played the best they have all year,” he said. “We got a win against a good team and we needed that win. When you are having a rough season, you need it for your psyche.”

On Feb. 12, the Spartans of USC Upstate, first in the North Division (16-3, 8-3 Peach Belt Conference) upended UNCP by a final score of 101-57. Five Spartans scored in double figures, as the Braves fell to 3-20 overall and 1-11 in conference play.

Hunter again led UNCP with 13 points. Arne Danielsen added 11 points in the loss for the Braves. The tandem also led UNCP in rebounds with four and five each.

Women’s Basketball

On Feb. 9, the UNCP women’s basketball team held a close lead until the end, and came away with a 57-51 win over the Francis Marion Lady Patriots.

Then they had another close one in a 67-63 victory at USC Upstate Feb. 12.

Tracey Lightfoot, guard for the Lady Braves, commented on the win at home over Francis Marion and how well the team played together.

“It was one of those games where everyone knew their role and stepped up in a big way. It was also important because it moved us ahead of them in the conference,” Lightfoot said. “Victoria (Willis) hit some important shots. Danielle was putting the ball in left and right. Lauren had a big game. Kristin made huge hustle plays. Lindsay was an automatic scoring threat. We all clicked so well in the game.”

Not only does the 5-foot-4 guard from London, Ontario have something to be proud of in the win over Francis Marion, but also the four wins in a row including victories over Lander, North Florida, Francis Marion and USC Upstate. That pushes the record for the Lady Braves to 14-9 overall and 6-6 in the Peach Belt Conference.

Three UNCP starters reached double figures in scoring in the game against USC Upstate. Richardson finished with 28, as Kristin Vaughan and Lindsay Bartholf poured in 15 and 14 points, respectively. Richardson added her second straight double-double with 12 rebounds in the win, (25 and 10, 28 and 12).

Six players spent the majority of time on the floor for UNCP, as each had 15-plus minutes of playing time.

Natasha Stotler, one of several Lady Braves still out due to injury, commented that she has been impressed by the play of the team.

The UNCP men and women play against Kennesaw State on Feb. 19 and Francis Marion on Feb. 23 before returning to the Jones Center for senior day on Feb. 26 against USC Upstate.