Wallace Scores 27 To Help Push Greyhounds Past Nighthawks

The last time these two teams met in January, the Greyhounds were able to pull out a 95-93 overtime win in Hot Springs. This time, it looked like ASU Mid-South was going to run away with it before the Nighthawks came back and made it come down to the wire.

"First and foremost, I just want to thank each of our 4 sophomore's that we were able to honor tonight before the start of the game. Darren, Samuel, and Davonta are my first sophomore class to spend two years with me as the head coach, so those 3 will always hold a special place in my heart for believing in me. I couldn't tell you how much they've had to put up with me especially as I continue to grow into this role, so it definitely hit hard watching them walk up with their people as we honored them. Hayden was the first transfer that I've ever had as a head coach, so just like those other 3 he's going to have a special place in my heart as well. I couldn't be more proud of all four of them and can't wait to see what comes to them after this season is over. Hayden, Samuel, Davonta, and Darren, Thank you! That's all I have today. I'm glad we won, but more importantly this day was about those 4 guys and sending them out the right way, and we did just that." head coach Cody Hastings had to say after the game.

ASU Mid-South jumped out to a quick lead thanks to Hayden Drumwright knocking down a couple outside shots, followed by alley oops to Darren Wallace and Davonta Tucker both from Jermaine Christopher. The Nighthawks would pull within 3 midway through the first half, but the Greyhounds started to push the lead back up. As the final seconds were coming off the clock, Hugh McFarland was fouled on a last second shot to give him three free throws with just 0.3 seconds remaining in the half. McFarland would make 2 of 3 to give the Greyhounds the 43-27 lead going into the half.

The Nighthawks would use the deep ball to get right back into the game, and eventually take a 51-50 lead with just over 11 minutes remaining in the game. These teams would stay neck and neck for the remainder of the game, until ASU Mid-South would take an 9 point lead with 2:31 remaining in the game. From there, the Greyhounds would hold off and make free throws down the stretch to help them prevail with a 84-78 win on Sophomore Night.

Randy Emerson led National Park with 25 points going 3 for 7 from 3. Shamir Carruthers had 18, and Tevin Tate and Joseph Washington both had 10.

Darren Wallace led all scorers with 27 points. Jermaine Christopher had his first double double of the season as he scored 12 points and dished out 11 assists. Hugh McFarland also scored 12, and Hayden Drumwright in his first start of the season scored 11. Davonta Tucker scored 6, but had a game high 13 rebounds. 

With the win, the Greyhounds move to 17-12 on the season and 11-4 in Region play. The Greyhounds are scheduled to play UA Cossatot on Thursday, February 20, but with the winter weather coming into Arkansas the game might be postponed.