Box Score The Maryville College men's basketball team moved to the semi-finals of the 2015 USA South basketball tournament in Danville, Virginia following an 81-71 win over Greensboro College on Thursday evening at Averett University's Grant Center.
The Scots (14-12) jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first three minutes following a Spencer Shoffner rebound and follow-up basket. An Antonio Jackson layup five minutes later gave MC a 19-5 advantage. Their 54% shooting from the floor combined with a defensive effort that forced the Pride to shoot just 21% allowed the Scots to cruise to a 36-24 lead at the half.
Greensboro took advantage of ten Maryville second half turnovers to outscore the Scots 47-45, but could not make up the first half deficit.
The Pride (15-11) finished their season paced by three double-digit scorers. Simeon Howard finished with a game-high 21 points on 5-of-19 shooting while dropping four three-pointers. Will Griffin added 17 points on 6-of-15 shooting while Raheem Martin tossed in 12 points and a game-high nine rebounds.
The Scots, riding a two game winning streak, were led by the duo of Jaumonee Byrd and Spencer Shoffner- both All-USA South selections. Byrd deposited 7-of-10 shots in the paint for 21 points while grabbing seven boards. Shoffner connected on four treys on a 4-for-9 effort from beyond the arc for an additional 21 points. Freshman Calvin Songster was 6-for-7 from the field for 18 points while grabbing five rebounds and recording four steals on defense. Logan Brewer was strong in the post with eight points while Oscar Butler added seven points and a game-high nine boards.
Maryville will advance to the semi-finals to challenge No. 1 seeded and tournament host Averett University at 7:00 p.m.
