Men's Basketball Defeats Miles College 68-48

Box Score

Normal- The A&M men’s basketball defeated Miles College in their season opener 68-48 in front of 1,267 in attendance at Elmore gymnasium.

Opening at home the Bulldogs came out with high energy. Along with the enthusiasm and increased excitement that comes with the season’s start, the Maroon and White brought first game jitters, leading to 13 first half turnovers. The Bulldogs shot just 31% from the field, hitting nine of 29 shots taken in the first half. They scored 10 second chance points and 12 points in the paint. Despite an early lack of execution, AAMU went into the half time break trailing the Bears by only nine, 33-24.

The team settled down in the second half and immediately increased their efficiency. The Maroon & White went on an early second half run to gain the lead. They played with grit and a never say die attitude in the final 15 minutes of the game. A&M fought for every rebound, dove for every loose ball and had active hands on defense, deflecting passes and swatting shots. The scrappiness brought to the second half, changed the tide of the game.

There were multiple tie scores and lead changes in the second period, until about the 5:00 mark. Head coach Willie Hayes squad then took the lead and began to build a solid cushion. The lead grew to more than 10 points by the 2:00 minute mark and continued to grow thereafter.

The Bulldogs defeated the Bears of Miles College convincingly, finishing the game 68-48. This is Willie Hayes first season opening victory.

Preseason Defensive Player of the year, Demarquelle Tabb led the way with his first double double of the year and 10^th in his career with 19 points and 15 rebounds. Junior Brandon Ellis was the only other Bulldog that saw double digit points with 14.

The men will be back in action Monday, November 12^thwhen they travel to Iowa to take on Iowa State University.

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