MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. – The Barton men's basketball team (1-4) couldn't hold down Elizabeth City State (2-3) in a 101-90 setback Saturday evening on the final day of the Pickle Classic at Kornegay Arena on the campus of the University of Mount Olive.
The Vikings' Tre Richardson (Louisville, Ky.) came off the bench to score a game-high 27 points on 11-of-16 shooting as Elizabeth City State scored 63 points after halftime to erase a five-point deficit – 43-38 at intermission – and take the victory.
Elizabeth City State shot 79 percent (23-of-29) in the second half while hitting eight of its 10 treys over the final 20 minutes in the win. Michael Eads, Jr. (Orlando, Fla.) added 16 points and connected on four three-pointers in the triumph as well for the Vikings.
Barton was led by junior guard
Trey Crews (Durham, N.C.) with 20 points while senior guards
Trevon Spencer (Columbia, N.C.) and
Reese McDonald (Raleigh, N.C.) added 18 points each in the losing effort.
The Vikings held a 35-27 edge in rebounds and finished 37-of-63 (59 percent) from the field as well.
Barton stays on the road to take on USC Aiken Tuesday at 7:30 p.m., in Aiken, S.C., while Elizabeth City State returns home to host Newberry Tuesday beginning at 6:00 p.m.
