BLUE MOUNTAIN, Miss. – UT Southern earned its third consecutive victory Saturday afternoon, defeating Blue Mountain Christian University 67–60 behind a dominant first half, efficient shooting, and timely responses during a spirited second-half push as Southern States Athletic Conference play continued.
The Firehawks seized control immediately and never trailed. Antonio Cochran opened the scoring with a three-pointer just over a minute into the game, igniting an early run as UT Southern raced out to an 8–0 lead. Eric Robinson added a transition layup, and Cochran followed with another three as the Firehawks continued to apply pressure defensively and convert on the other end.
UT Southern's defense smothered Blue Mountain Christian throughout the opening half. Cochran controlled the defensive glass, Robinson pushed the tempo, and JaMil Wilson scored in the paint as the Firehawks extended the margin to double figures. Jack Harper and Luke Lentz each knocked down three-pointers to stretch the lead, and UT Southern closed the half on a flurry of perimeter shooting, capped by back-to-back threes from Kiah Key and Harper. The Firehawks carried a commanding 32–17 advantage into the locker room after holding the Toppers to just five made field goals in the half.
Blue Mountain Christian responded with increased energy to open the second half, trimming the deficit with free throws and interior scoring. UT Southern answered behind Cochran, who drilled consecutive three-pointers early in the half to push the lead back to 16. Robinson followed with a pair of free throws and continued to facilitate the offense as the Firehawks maintained control.
The margin grew to its largest point at 21 with 7:40 remaining after baskets from Luke Lentz and JaMil Wilson, but Blue Mountain Christian continued to chip away late. UT Southern stayed composed, answering each run with timely execution. Robinson finished at the rim to halt one push, Daniel Reyes added a short jumper in the closing minute, and Cochran secured key defensive rebounds to limit second chances.
Despite a late flurry in the final seconds, UT Southern closed out the win by controlling the glass and forcing contested looks as time expired.
Cochran led UT Southern with 18 points while pulling down 15 rebounds, anchoring the Firehawks on both ends of the floor. Harper added eight points, including timely three-pointers in both halves. Robinson finished with eight points and dished out eight assists, while Reyes contributed six points and battled on the boards. Lentz and Key each provided seven points off the bench, and Wilson added six in a balanced team effort.
UT Southern will continue SSAC play on the road, traveling to Dalton State College for a Thursday matchup on January 15.
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