Greyhounds Run Down Aviators

In the first Region 2 matchup of the year, ASU Mid-South hosted ASU Newport in a big time game. Not only are their region standings on the line, but bragging rights are also on the line when these two teams get together. Both schools in the Arkansas State University System, so both schools know each other very well.

"Wow. Was that not fun or what? The way our guys played tonight was great. I could not be any more happier than I am with this group right now. That was one of the most fun games coaching I've ever been apart of, and it was all because these guys were flying around making the right plays. My favorite part was watching and hearing our guys on the bench cheer for the guys on the floor. It was a total team effort, and all 11 guys that saw action played their butt off. We'll enjoy this one tonight, but tomorrow we're right back to work to get ready for a really good North Ark team." an enthused head coach Cody Hastings had to say after the game.

A weird start to the game as ASU Mid-South would win the tip, but received the ball so close to the baseline as Davonta Tucker saved it went right into the hands of James Blair who advanced the ball to Nehemiah Reedus for a 3 to start the scoring. The game would go back and forth for the first couple minutes, until Hugh McFarland would find Samuel Chapin for back to back 3's to give the Greyhounds an 11-6 lead with 16:48 left in the first half. ASU Mid-South would push their lead up to 10 before the Aviators cut it back down to 2. That would be as close as ASU Newport would get to ASU Mid-South as the Greyhounds would push their lead back to double digits.  

The Greyhounds started the 2nd half strong as Hugh McFarland stole the inbound pass and finished with a crafty layup in the first 5 seconds. The Greyhounds defense would stay suffocating, as they would hold the Aviators to just 29 second half points. ASU Mid-South would push their lead to as many as 23 late in the second half. The Greyhounds would force 24 ASU Newport turnovers scoring 31 points off of those turnovers earning 16 steals. 

ASU Newport was led by Justin Gill's 17 points, followed by Nehemiah Reedus' 12 points. Greg Fowlds would score 8, and Martez Burse would added 7.

ASU Mid-South was led by Jaxson Yancy who scored 20 points going 8/11 from the field and 4/6 from 3. Samuel Chapin would score 11 and Davonta Tucker finished with 10. De'Shun Jackson had 9, Braylon Frazier with 8, and Taylor Conner finished with 7 off the bench for the Greyhounds. Hugh McFarland had a game high 8 assists and 4 steals.

The Greyhounds move to 4-7 on the year and 1-0 in Region 2 play. They will travel to Harrison, Arkansas to face off against North Arkansas College, Thursday, December 5. Tip-off is set for 7:30.