Saturday January 25, 2020: Men's Basketball

New Orleans, LA

Baton Rouge Bears defeat the Delgado Dolphins, in the final seconds, 74 to 69 with late free throws by sophomore guard Ronald Pugh II, tonight in the Williamson Center.

During the first three minutes of the ball game, it was a back and forth contest between the Bears and the Dolphins.  The Bears led 7 to 6 with 17:16 to play.  The Bears would then go on an 18 to 7 run to take a 25 to 13 lead with 11 minutes to go, in the half.  Delgado would not fold as they would close out the half strong and pull within 4 points; 37 to 33.

At the half, the Bears coaching staff encourages their athletes to be more aggressive and finish the game strong. The Bears came out of the half and built their largest lead of the game 13 with 11:22 left to play. Again, the Dolphins did not quit, as they would go on a 24 to 11 run to tie the game at 65 with 2:41 left. The game would be tied two more times, when Ronald Pugh II would be fouled on a jump shot sending him to the free throw line with 35 seconds left to play.  Ray would sink two free throws to give the Bears a 71 to 69 lead.  The Bears would force a stop on the defensive end and Prince Campbell would hit a half court shot at the buzzer to secure the Bears 74 to 69 conference victory.

Both teams struggled from the field as the Bears shot 39.3 % while the Dolphins shot 36.1 %.  Free throws are what kept the Bears in the game and eventually led them to the victory.  The Bears shot 67.9 % (19-28) from the free throw line.

Ronald Pugh II led the Bears with a game high 19 points.  The Bears had 3 student athletes in double figures.  The Dolphins were led by Donte Mitchell who scored 18 points.

With the victory the Bears improve to 6-14 and 1-1 in conference play while the Dolphins fall to 2-13, 0-2 on the season.

Bears Highlights:

Ronald Pugh II led all Bears with 19 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assist and 2 steals.

Prince Campbell added a double-double with 14 points and 10 boards

Spencer Mays added 13 points and grabbed 6 rebounds

Jamal Hayward scored 7 points and grabbed 3 boards.

The Bears will return home to the Bonne Santé Wellness Center, this Wednesday January 29 as they take on conference rivals Southern Shreveport at 7:30 pm.  It will be part of a doubleheader with the Lady Bears who tip off at 5:30 pm.  It will be Spirit and Jersey Night in the Bears Den.  Dress in your favorite jersey or BRCC shirt and come out to support the Bears.

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