Men’s basketball loses second of doubleheader

By Dan Kelly
Sports Editor

The UNCP men’s basketball team lost to Lander University 56-39 during the second game of the Jan. 17 home doubleheader.            
The loss placed the Braves at 4-13 on the season and 3-3 in the Peach Belt Conference.

The margin between the teams was just two points at the half but the Bearcats found another level in the second half.

Lander improved on their 27 percent shooting from the field in the first half to 50 percent in the second.

“They took the intensity to another level and we did not respond until we got later in the game,” said Braves Head Coach Jason Tinsley.            

Lander also started to drain the clock in the second half as their lead began to expand.

The longer possessions may have taken a toll on the Braves as they’ve dealt with a short bench, Tinsley said.            

The key, according to Tinsley, was the advantage of the Bearcats in both turnovers and rebounds.

“We got our butts kicked on the boards,” Tinsley said.            

The Braves gave up 39 total rebounds and 14 offensive ones.

Some of the offensive rebounds came off of missed free throws granting Lander extra possessions.            

On the other hand, Tinsley was dismayed by the rebounding effort of his team.
           
“If I played 31 minutes like some of these guys did, I think a rebound would fall into my lap,” Tinsley said.            

UNCP also gave up 18 turnovers that led directly to 18 points for the Lander Bearcats.