Men’s Basketball Takes Undefeated Tougaloo Down To The Wire

JACKSON, Miss. - The Rust College men's basketball program played short-handed with only a five-man bench but still gave the unblemished Bulldogs a run for their money, outscoting the home squad in the second half during a 77-71 setback.

The Cats logged a higher field-goal percentage than the Dogs (50% to 45.3%) but a -14 rebounding margin and a less than stellar showing at the free throw line undermined any chance of an upset.

Davonte Craven continues to state his case for GCAC Newcomer of the Year, dropping 20+ points (21) to lead all scorers on both teams on nine made buckets over 13 attempts (69.2%).

Jayden Stephens made a quality first impression, going for a contest-best eight boards and two blocks plus a Bearcat-best two steals on top of a healthy ten points.

Fellow newcomer Damonte Streate was passing out assists like fireworks on New Year's, recording a team-most five dimes to go along with four rebounds, and 14 points.

Jeremiah Maldonado pitched in another 14 points while Jonathon Bentley hung ten on Tougaloo College.

Rust will attempt to regroup for its next matchup on Friday at 7 p.m. at Dillard.

#Jenga