Pirate basketball battles Saints at home

The AASU men’s basketball team picked up its first win in 2010 and its first win in the Peach Belt Conference (PBC) this season against North Georgia College & State University in front of an excited home crowd on Jan. 30.

The Pirates’ (6-13, 1-9 PBC) victory not only snapped its nine-game losing streak, it also brought to an end the Saints’ (12-7, 7-2 PBC) seven-game winning streak.

The first half of the game was neck-and-neck between the two teams, until Keron McKenzie nailed a 3-pointer to put the Pirates up 16-14.

AASU took a nine-point lead into the half with a score of 42-33, the most points the men have put up in the first half of any PBC contest so far this season.

Coming out of the half it was clear the Pirates wanted to take control of the game. With 11:23 left to go in the game David Pruett’s 3-pointer from the wing gave AASU its largest lead of the contest at 19, 65-46.

Great clock management and clutch shooting by the Pirates kept North Georgia at bay and made sure they never got any closer than eight before wrapping up the 88-78 win.

In Pirates’ head coach Jeremy Luther’s opinion, this game was one of the most complete 40-minute efforts that his team has put in all season. It was a “perfect storm” for AASU, who took good care of the ball, had a number of players knocking down big shots and gave a great defensive effort.

AASU had a terrific game. All Pirate players that saw action made solid contributions to the team.

Patrick Shokpeka led AASU with 22 points and was one of five players for the Pirates in the double digits. He was followed by Pruett, who started in his first game of the season, with 17 points. Also, Gabriel Robinson was just two rebounds short of a triple-double, scoring 11 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds.

With the monkey finally off their backs, the Pirates look to improve upon their performance against North Georgia and are hopeful toward making the PBC tournament.

This first conference win for AASU puts them just two games out of fourth place in the East Division. From here on out, as Luther put it, it will be an eight-game season for the Pirates.

The road in front of them won’t be an easy one though, as they still have to play the University of South Carolina Aiken once and Francis Marion University twice. They have an opportunity to help themselves out and control their own destiny with games against Flagler College, Lander University and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, all of which are in front of the Pirates and its chances at a tournament spot.

Also, with games coming against Columbus State University and Georgia Southwestern State University, which are in the bottom of the West, the Pirates have opportunities to make the best of a stretch run toward the end of the season.

Feb. 5: Women’s Golf at Kiawah Island Invitational

Baseball vs. Salem International 2 p.m.

Softball vs. Valdosta State 2 p.m. at Americus, Ga.

Men’s Tennis vs. Florida Southern 4 p.m. at Bacon Park

Feb. 6: Women’s Golf at Kiawah Island Invitational

Women’s Basketball at Francis Marion 1:30 p.m.

Men’s Basketball at Francis Marion 3:30 p.m.

Baseball vs. Salem International 1 p.m.

Softball vs. Anderson (SC) 11 a.m. at Americus, Ga.

vs. Bluefield State 1 p.m. at Americus, Ga.

vs. Brewton Parker 7 p.m. at Americus, Ga.

Women’s Tennis at Georgia Southwestern 12 p.m.

vs. Stillman 4 p.m. at Americus, Ga.

Men’s Tennis at Georgia Southwestern 12 p.m.

vs. Stillman 4 p.m. at Americus, Ga.

Feb. 7: Baseball vs. Salem International 11 a.m.

Feb. 8: Women’s Basketball vs. Lander 5:30 p.m.

Men’s Basketball vs. Lander 7:30 p.m.

1.) West Florida, 2004-2005, was the last school to win two consecutive men’s championships before the Pirates did it last year.

2.) In 2006-2007 the BYU-Hawaii women won. They beat the Lady Pirates to take the title in 2006.

3.) The men beat Barry both times to win the championship, and the women bested Lynn two years straight.

4.) On March 27, 2009 the women lost their only match of the season to Lynn.

5.) The Lander men’s team was the team of the decade in the 1990’s winning eight straight championships from 1993-2000.

1.) What was the last men’s tennis program to capture back-to-back national championships before AASU?

2.) When was the last back-to-back women’s tennis champion crowned prior to AASU?

3.) What were the teams AASU beat to win men’s and women’s championships in tennis?

4.) What is the only loss the women’s tennis team suffered on their schedule last season?

5.) What is the record for consecutive Division II national championships in men’s tennis?

AASU Sports Trivia, previews and more

Check your answers at the bottom of the page.

With the same roster as last year and players who have shown improvement, the women’s team hopes for the same results and another championship.

With four experienced players and four new players, developing good team chemistry and strong leadership will be important for the men’s team.