Presbyterian Edges Erskine, 56-52
The Erskine men's basketball team led Presbyterian College by as many as five in the second half Saturday night, but it was not enough as the Blue Hose overtook the Fleet in the final three minutes and won, 56-52.
Erskine started the game with a Darrin Quarles' three-pointer putting them up 3-0. The Fleet maintained their first half lead as Colibar Matos hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to give Erskine a 29-26 lead at halftime.
Despite frigid shooting Erskine stayed on top most of the second half thanks to tenacious halfcourt defense. The Blue Hose finally wrestled the lead away on a Kevin Campbell three-pointer at the 3:03 mark. The basket gave Presbyterian a 52-50 lead.
The Fleet tried to respond but freshman Brandon Moses' three-point attempt was off the mark. Erskine held Presbyterian on the next possession but the Fleet turned the ball over on a sideline out of bounds play before they could get a shot attempt. Erskine's shooting woes continued as they made only 18-48 field goal attempts and 7-21 three-point shots.
Hunter Roark led the scoring for Erskine with 16 points but could only connect on 4-12 field goal attempts. Freshman Brandon Burris led the Fleet's rebounding efforts with 8. Presbyterian dominated the glass, however, grabbing 48 rebounds to the Fleet's 33. Twenty-one of Prebyterian's rebounds came on the offensive end.
"It is always tough to lose close games," said Erskine men's coach Mark Peeler. "We played hard but we just aren't clicking offensively and we have to do a better job of rebounding. I think we are starting to see the possibilities of being a good team if we improve on certain areas. I am really proud of how tough our defense is becoming."
Erskine will be holding exams this week, and will play again Saturday against Lander at home. The Fleet have not beaten the Senators in eleven years. Game time is 7:30 PM.
