PEMBROKE, N.C. – The Barton men's basketball team (4-8, 2-6) was looking for the upset bid against UNC Pembroke (13-1, 10-1) but fell short by a 97-90 score Thursday evening in a Conference Carolinas game at Lumbee Guaranty Bank Court.
The Braves, ranked No. 19 in NCAA Division II, were led by Tyrell Kirk (Whiteville, N.C.) with 22 points and was one of five UNC Pembroke players to score in double figures in the win.
UNCP scored 54 points after intermission after rallying from a 45-43 halftime deficit for its ninth straight victory and maintained sole possession of first place in the league standings.
Barton lost despite the play of sophomore guards
Malik Bryant (Fort Mill, S.C.) and
Jett Fortuny (Cary, N.C.). Bryant scored a season-high 32 points including 22 points in the first half while Fortuny added a season-high 25 points and hit seven treys despite the loss.
Trailing by a 49-48 score with just over 18 minutes left in the contest, the Braves went on a 10-0 run to take the lead for good capped off by a lay-up from Kirk. The Braves also won from the charity stripe – hitting 20 free throws – and held a 50-37 advantage on the boards.
Barton returns home to take on Chowan in a Conference Carolinas game on Monday, January 17, beginning at 7:00 p.m., at Wilson Gymnasium while UNC Pembroke visits Mount Olive for a league contest on Monday at 7:00 p.m., as well.
