Greyhounds Win Shootout in Kentucky
The Greyhounds used a big second half to overcome a halftime deficit and a hostile environment to take a 114-106 victory over West Kentucky Thursday night in Paducah.
January 28, 2016
By Chuck Livingston, Sports Editor, The Evening Times and ASU Mid-South Sports Information
If it's better to peak later rather than sooner, the Arkansas State University Greyhounds are right on schedule.
Closing out a stretch where the team played six games in 13 days, the Greyhounds (13-8 overall) seemingly saved their best for last, winning a shootout against West Kentucky CTC on the road last night, 114-106.
It was ASU Mid-South's sixth win in seven tries.
"Incredible win," said ASU Mid-South head coach Chris Parker. "This was big because we were down at the half. We had guys in foul trouble throughout the game. We did not receive the benefit of anything but our guys remained focused and never let their emotions affect their play and did what they had to do to come out of a hostile environment with the win."
ASU Mid-South got a game-high 29 points from freshman Cameron Ricks, highlighted by 18 of those coming after halftime. Tasmania Jones added 18 points, Joe'Randle Toliver hit for 17 of his own and Tyler Armstrong pumped in 15 to aid the Greyhounds' cause. Marion graduate LaQuan Davie added nine points.
Adding to the intrigue was the fact that West Kentucky CTC topped ASU Mid-South in The Dog House in November, taking down a 96-89 decision.
"It is always nice to 'return the favor' with a team that previously beat you," admitted Parker. "But more importantly, it shows the progress we continue to make in developing our team to reach our potential."
For the third straight game, ASU Mid-South went over 100 points, dating back to a loss to Northwest Mississippi on January 21. It was the fifth time that the Greyhounds bettered 100 points this season.
"We are sharing and shooting the ball well," explained Parker. "We have an unselfish team who cares about each other, and in a game like this, it's what makes the difference."
ASU Mid-South will now take three days off before hitting the floor again on Monday night when they host Bethel JV for a 7 p.m. tip-off. That game will also feature a revenge subplot as Bethel topped ASU Mid-South 82-74 in November.
"We do have a little rest coming, but we have another tough one on Monday," says Parker. "That's another team that beat us earlier in the season, but we'll be ready."