Men’s hoops team downs VASDA 88-83

The Southern University men’s basketball team opened up its exhibition season this past Wednesday with a 88-83 win over against VASDA USA in the F.G. Clark Activity Center.
Brian Johnson led the Jaguars to victory scoring 17 of his 27 points in the second half. Johnson ended the game with four assists, three rebounds and four steals in 32 minutes.
“Brian Johnson is Brian Johnson . He always play well, I expected a good game out of him,” said Coach Ben Jobe.
Plagued by turnovers in the first half the Jags found themselves trailing by the score of 45-38 going into halftime.
“Turnovers, transition defense and fouls really hurt us early in the game, it’s just something we’ll have to work on,” said Jobe.
The Jags was forced to start freshman Nicholas McGhee at point guard in the second half due to what was determined as a turned ankle by Victor Tarver.
“Nicholas stepped up real big for this team in the second half,” said Jobe.
“In the first half we were rushing a bit, forcing plays and in the second we took our time and settled down that was the biggest difference in the halves,” said Johnson.
Carl Alexander came off the bench to score 15 points shooting 6-7 from the field and 3-4 from 3-point range.
“Carl did a great job he’s our senior statesman on the club and we will need him during the season,” said Jobe.
“Since I been here at Southern I never had a chance to play but with coach Jobe coming in it gave me more of a chance to play because I’m more of a shooter, I can help the team in many others ways such as rebounding and playing defense, “said Alexander.
Other notables scorers for the Jags were Nicholas Egland scoring 16 and McGhee with 10.
Peter Cipriana led the team in rebounds with nine and scored eight points.
The Jags next exhibition game will be against Lake Charles Supreme Court on November 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the F.G. Clark Activity Center.