PULASKI, Tenn. – The Martin Methodist Men's Basketball team snapped a three-game losing skid Thursday night in a 67-62 victory versus University of Mobile (Ala.) in the Curry Christian Life Center.
In a game that featured six ties and five lead changes, the RedHawks (8-10, 5-7 SSAC) improved to 7-1 at home this season with the five-point win. The victory also avenged a 78-69 defeat for the RedHawks when they traveled to Mobile in late November earlier this season.
The RedHawks fell behind early in the first half, but built their lead to as many as five points in the opening frame. Ahead 25-20 with just under six minutes to play, the RedHawks saw their first-half lead slip away, however, as the visitors closed the period on a 12-6 run and took a 32-31 lead into the halftime break.
The Rams (7-10, 4-8 SSAC) extended their lead to as many as four in the opening minutes of the second frame. A RedHawk spurt saw the home side tie the contest at 41-41, but neither side was able to build much separation during the majority of the second half.
But then, ahead by just three with under six minutes to play, the RedHawks extended a 56-53 lead to 63-53 with 2:33 left in the contest.
The Rams refused to give in, however, and trimmed the lead to just three with over 10 seconds left in regulation. A late Jordan Olison leaner gave the RedHawks a five-point cushion, which proved enough for the victory.
The RedHawks connected on 28-of-51 shots from the floor for a blistering 54.9 percent shooting clip.
Olison led the way with 17 points, while he added two assists and two steals in 34 minutes of action.
Big man Dwayne Ward also added 17 points to go along with 11 rebounds and four blocks. The double-double was the fourth of the year for the senior.
The win was a much-needed momentum boost for the RedHawks, who had lost three straight, including a five-point defeat to Dalton State (Ga.) at home on MLK Day.
The momentum will hopefully continue for the RedHawks when they host No. 10 nationally-ranked Stillman (Ala.) to the CLC on Saturday. The RedHawks suffered an 88-83 defeat when the teams met in Tuscaloosa earlier this season.
Tipoff in Saturday's contest is set for 4 p.m. in the CLC.
