WILSON, N.C. – The Barton men's basketball team (7-8) rallied from a 16-point halftime deficit to force overtime but fell to Elizabeth City State (9-6), 88-85, Tuesday evening at Wilson Gymnasium.
The Vikings' Xavier Tubbs-Matthews (Fayetteville, N.C.) led all scorers with 29 points while Michael Eads, Jr. (Orlando, Fla.) added 16 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double as Elizabeth City State defeated Barton for the second time this year.
Elizabeth City State prevailed by an 87-80 score on Wednesday, December 4, in Elizabeth City, N.C.
Barton junior guard
Jaylen Faber (Columbia, S.C.) scored a season-high 24 points including 22 points after intermission to keep the Bulldogs in the game but the home team ultimately fell short. Faber, who connected on four treys, hit three free throw attempts with 0.5 seconds left in the second half to force overtime tied at 78-all.
Elizabeth City State's Dericko Williams (Kinston, N.C.) broke an 85-all tie with a jump shot with just under 20 seconds left in the extra stanza which proved to be the game-winner. Williams also tallied a double-double – 14 points and 16 rebounds – and the Vikings held a 45-36 edge on the boards and won despite turning the ball over 23 times.
Barton senior forward
Jarrian Hancock (Sanford, N.C.) also hit double-digits in scoring for the Bulldogs (10 points) despite the setback.
The Bulldogs return to Conference Carolinas play on Saturday at 4:00 p.m., when Barton hosts Young Harris while Elizabeth City State travels to Bluefield, W.Va., to take on Bluefield State on Saturday at 4:00 p.m., as well.
