WILSON, N.C. – The Barton men's basketball team (7-9, 5-7) made it two victories in a row with an 88-82 win over rival Mount Olive (9-9, 8-6) Wednesday night in a Conference Carolinas contest at Wilson Gymnasium.
The Bulldogs, who won for the second time at home in three days, were led by sophomore guard
Donaven Hairston (Atlanta, Ga.) with a game-high 25 points while sophomore guard
Malik Bryant (Fort Mill, S.C.) added 19 points as the home team shot 60 percent (31-of-52) from the floor in picking up the win.
Mount Olive lost despite 26 points from Darius Spragley (Rocky Mount, N.C.) and 22 points and seven treys from Alan Treakle (Alexandria, Va.). The Trojans hit 11 three-pointers on the night as well in the losing effort. The Trojans were also doomed from the charity stripe, hitting five-of-16 from the free throw line in losing their fifth straight contest.
Barton jumped out to a 42-34 lead at intermission and were able to keep Mount Olive at bay the rest of the way. Trailing by a 62-61 score at the 10:38 mark of the second half, Barton took control with an 13-2 run capped off by a three-pointer from Hairston. Barton also connected on 21-of-27 from the free throw line and held a 36-28 advantage on the boards.
Barton hits the road to take on North Greenville in Tigerville, S.C., on Friday evening at 7:00 p.m., in a league game while Mount Olive faces Belmont Abbey Friday at 6:00 p.m., in Belmont, N.C.
