Greyhounds Rain Threes to Top ASU Newport in Bragging Rights Battle

WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. — In a rivalry game where bragging rights meant just as much as the conference standings, ASU Mid-South put on a shooting clinic, knocking down 18 three-pointers to outlast ASU Newport in a thrilling, back-and-forth victory.

The Greyhounds wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, as Jaxson Yancy took the opening tip and went coast-to-coast for a layup within the first five seconds. That early spark helped ASU Mid-South build momentum and stretch the lead to as many as 17 points in the opening half.

ASU Newport, however, responded with increased defensive pressure, turning up the intensity and cutting the Greyhounds' advantage to just six points heading into halftime.

The second half turned into a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading big shots and momentum swings. ASU Mid-South appeared to seize control when Randy Emerson drilled a three-pointer with just under eight minutes remaining to push the lead back to 20.

Once again, the Aviators refused to go away. Showing tremendous fight, ASU Newport mounted a late rally and trimmed the deficit to just five points with under a minute to play. But the Greyhounds stayed composed down the stretch, making key plays to hold off the comeback attempt and secure the win.

ASU Newport was led by Quentin Dabney's 22 points, followed by Malik Escoffery with 17, Lekereon McCray with 16, and Jerimiah Johnson with 12.

For ASU Mid-South, Phillip Tillman delivered a complete performance with 20 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. Yancy followed closely with 19 points, knocking down five of nine attempts from beyond the arc. Hugh McFarland added 17 points along with four rebounds and four assists, while Braylon Frazier provided a huge spark off the bench, scoring 16 points on 4-of-6 shooting from three-point range. Emerson and Dejavius Johnson each chipped in 11 points.

With the win, ASU Mid-South improves to 15-6 overall and 8-2 in conference play.

After the game, head coach Cody Hastings said he was glad to get his team back on the floor following recent weather interruptions.

"It felt great to get back in the gym and back to playing after dealing with the weather," Hastings said. "I'm really proud of this group and the full team effort tonight. Everyone contributed, and that's what it takes to win games like this. We need to be more disciplined and take care of business earlier in the game and help us out down the stretch."

The Greyhounds return to The Dog House on Wednesday, February 4, when they host Southeast Arkansas in a highly anticipated rematch. The Sharks handed ASU Mid-South a heartbreaking buzzer-beater loss in early December, setting the stage for a revenge matchup in West Memphis.