November 30, 2014

Elizabeth City, NC-The Livingstone College men's basketball team held off the West Virginia State University Yellow Jackets posting an 81-75 win on Sunday from the RL Vaughan Center. The Blue Bears had four players score in double figures, as Senior Eric Mayo led the way with 24 points.

The first half was challenging as both teams played tough offensively and defensively, struggling for the lead. The Yellow Jackets led the half majority of the way until Senior Eric Mayo shot an easy jumper to tie the game 20-20.

The Blue Bears managed to take the lead at 30-29 when Dareese Johnson made a smashing dunk with under 2:00 left to play in the half.

The Blue Bears led by six at halftime with a score of 35-29, with Mayo leading in scoring with 13 points.

The Blue Bears were out-rebounding the Yellow Jackets at the half 24-17 and dominating them in the paint, shooting 46.7 % (14-30) compared to the 26.5% (9-34) from that of the Yellow Jackets.

After halftime, confidence with the ball was a game-changing factor for the team. The Blue Bears biggest lead was by 10 with just minutes left to go in the contest.

The starters struggled a little, causing the coach to look at the bench for a spark. A total of 55 out of the 81 points came from the bench, forcing them to step up and dictate the game, capitalizing on the heavy minutes they played.

Although the Blue Bears turned the ball over 20 times, the team managed to out-rebound the Yellow Jackets 50-34.

Mayo's awesome performance offensively was the key to the win today.

Eric mayo had a,double-double, leading the team and game with,24 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and connected on 11-16 shots from the floor.

Ty Newman posted with 12 points, five rebounds, and four assists.

Dareese Johnson came off the bench sealing 11 points, nine rebounds and shot 3-6 from the free throw line.

Power forward Eric Dubose also contributed with 10 points, two assists, two rebounds and shot 4-5 from the free throw line.

Cristian Henry and Demarco sanders contributed seven points a piece in the victory over WVSU.

The Blue Bears advance to 4-1 overall record, tying in first place in the CIAA Conference with Winston-Salem State University.

Catch the Blue Bears in Charlotte, NC on December 3 at 8:00 P.M.. to take on Queens College.
 
Written By: Tenai Staley