Greyhounds Cut Shorter Comeback Short

Playing in their final game of the season, the Shorter College Bulldogs made a valiant comeback after being down 18 points at halftime, but the Greyhounds took control late to save a 79-77 victory Thursday in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

As a first-year member of NJCAA Region 2, Shorter (4-11) is not eligible for postseason play until the 2023-24 season, but that didn't stop them from mounting a comeback that saw them take a 68-67 lead with 4:04 left in the game after being down 53-35 at the half. But the Greyhounds went back to work in the final 4 minutes to secure the victory. Christian Thompson's pass to Braxtyn McCuien for a layup started the run at the 3:43 mark, and then Thompson scored on the next possession from the block and hit two free throws after that to give the Greyhounds a 73-68 lead with 2:14 left to play. Thompson would score again at the 1:31 mark, and with a 75-72 lead he was fouled with 34.2 seconds left and calmly sank both free throws for a 77-72 lead. Shorter then scored on the ensuing possession, and then fouled Braxtyn McCuien with 10.1 seconds left, and the sophomore forward sank both free throws for a 79-74 lead. Shorter then hit a three-pointer at the buzzer for the final count.

Thompson led all scorers with 30 points and 9 rebounds, hitting 11-of-20 from the field and 8-of-10 from the line. Je'marion Westbrook finished with 10 points and 4 rebounds, and Braxtyn McCuien pulled down a game-high 12 boards to go with 8 points. The Greyhounds were held to 39.5% shooting for the game and an anemic 1-of-19 (5.3%) from the three-point line while Shorter hit 40.3% from the field and 8-of-29 (27.6%) from the arc. The Bulldogs also benefited from 17 offensive rebounds, but ASU Mid-South forced 17 Shorter turnovers while giving away just 12.

The Greyhounds (19-8, 6-2) next host North Arkansas College (21-6, 5-3) who is receiving votes in the latest NJCAA National Rankings. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00pm following the 2:00pm women's game, but that could be delayed as a ceremony honoring the Greyhound sophomores will take place following the women's game.

2022-23 NJCAA Region 2 Men's Basketball Standings