Greyhounds Win First Ever Matchup Versus Aviators

In the first ever matchup between ASU system schools, the Greyhounds welcomed the Aviators of ASU Newport into The Dog House for the first time. In a game that would serve either school bragging rights, it was the Greyhound who would merge victorious.

"This was a history moment game. First ever matchup between ASU system schools, so there was a lot of bragging rights on the line, so it feels good to get the job done and protect home court. Our guys are starting to figure it out and have been competing their tails off the last 2 games, and it has paid off. We've made tremendous growth, and I couldn't be happier for those guys in the locker room. We still haven't played a complete 40 minute game but we're getting closer. If we can stop shooting ourselves in the foot for multiple possessions in a row, then these closer games might not be as close at the end. Tonight was a prime example of needing to be ready when your number is called. Markese didn't see game action for the first 30 minutes, but those last 10 minutes he was the reason we won. He didn't score, but he got in there and played hard nosed defense and made all the right plays offensively. Seeing his smile in the locker room after the game is what this is all about. We'll celebrate this one, but it's right back to work tomorrow to get ready for the #1 team in the country as we head to NPC. I'm looking forward to it, and I believe our guys are as well." head coach Cody Hastings had to say after a historic win. 

For the second game in a row the Greyhounds found themselves in a tight game from start to finish. The Greyhounds used their suffocating defense to jump out to an early advantage, but it was the Aviators who would battle right back using the deep ball and free throws to keep it close. Mid-South would force 10 Newport turnovers in the first half converting that into 10 points. Every chance Mid-South that they would start to casually pull away Newport was bouncing right back tying the game heading into halftime after a Justin Gill layup off an offensive rebound as time expired. Jarquavious Cane and Nehemiah Reedus scored 26 of the Aviators 37 points in the half, as the Greyhounds would have a more balanced attack with Jesse Washington leading the way with 12.

The second half started out much like the first as both teams could never seperate themselves. It was the Aviators who would take a 62-55 lead on a Jarquavious Cain alley-oop from Martez Burse. The Greyhounds defense would hold the Aviators to just 8 points in the last 9 minutes of the game outscoring Newport 24-8. Mid-South's defense would soon start to force multiple turnovers in that time frame allowing them to get out in transition for easy baskets. Once again their defense played the big factor in the game, as a Kyrin Dock steal would end up sealing the game for the home team.

ASU Mid-South will travel to ASU Newport for their rematch on Thursday, February 15 with a 6:00 tip-off. The game will be played at Newport High School.

Jesse Washington would lead the way for the Greyhounds scoring 27 points while also dishing out a game high 5 assists. Je'Marion Westbrook had 23 points and a game high 7 rebounds while only missing 3 shots the entire game. Kyrin Dock pitched in 7 points and also had 4 steals and 4 assists.

The Greyhounds travel to Hot Springs, Arkansas as they will face the #1 team in country, National Park College on Monday, February 5. Tip-off is set for 6:30.