Men Can’t Hold Onto Lead As Philander Gets Hot Late

HOLLY SPRINGS, Miss. – The Rust College men's basketball program was ahead by nine at the break, but the Panthers woke up with a 47-point second half to seize the win, 75-68.

The Basics:

• Score

  • Philander Smith - 75

  • Rust - 68

• Records

  • Rust (8-13, 5-9 Gulf Coast)

  • Philander Smith (16-7, 12-3 Gulf Coast)

• Location

  • Holly Springs, Mississippi – W.A. McMillan Center

• Series History (Since 2011-12)

  • Philander Smith Leads 13-2 (13.3%)

• Winning Streak (Since 2011-12)

  • Philander Smith (W5) | Rust's Last Win: January 29, 2022 (65-52)

Rust Top Performers:

• Xavier Evans was the Bearcats' top scorer with 16 and the contest's leading rebounder at ten, splashing all eight of his free throw attempts as he collected his third double-double.

• Jordin Jackson co-led the Blue and White in the points department on an efficient 7-for-13 (53.8%) plus four boards and a pair of steals.

• Christopher Hood spent all of 60 seconds on the bench, showcasing a jack-of-all-trades skill set by putting together 15 points, six rebounds and team-bests regarding both assists (5) as well as steals (3).

• The club's only two seniors, Khalil Brown and Ronald Berkley, recorded 5 points, two boards, an assist and a steal between them.

Next:

• For the first time in 2023-24 the Bearcats will face Oakwood Monday night at 7:30 p.m. in Holly Springs.