Faulkner holds of Shorter 57-54
November 20
ROME, Ga. - Faulkner's Oneil Mangal scored off an offensive rebound with 40 seconds left to give the Eagles a lead they would not relinquish en route to a 57-54 victory over Shorter here Thursday night in the Southern States Athletic Conference opener for both teams.
The Eagles looked to be in control with 10 minutes left, leading 50-40 after a Josh Gholston bucket. The Hawks, however, went on a 12-1 run, capped by Tomas Pranciliauskas three-pointer than handed Shorter a 52-51 lead with 3:32 left. After Faulkner regained the lead, Shorter's Fred Christopher dropped in two free throws with 1:02 to play put the Hawks back on top. De Hereford then rebounded a Gholston miss and fed Mangal for the basket that put Faulkner on top to stay.
On the following Shorter possession, Faulkner's Fred Foster blocked Pranciliauskas' runner in the lane and Gholston was fouled with 3 ticks left. His two free throws provided the final margin.
"Somehow this team continues to find a way to win,'' head coach Jim Sanderson said. "These guys have a lot of fight, and I'm real proud of them.''
Faulkner won despite making only one basket - Mangal's game-winner - in the final 10 minutes of play. The Eagles were led by Foster's 13 points and nine rebounds, while Aaron Greenwood added 11 points. Shorter got 13 from Darius Williams.
Faulkner (5-1, 1-0 SSAC) plays at Berry Saturday afternoon.