Faulkner University

Faulkner struggled through its worst shooting performance of the season Saturday, falling to Southern Wesleyan 62-57 in a Southern States Athletic Conference game at Tine Davis Gymnasium.

    The Eagles (8-5, 3-2 SSAC) made just 32 percent of their shots, while the Warriors (5-7, 1-2 SSAC) converted on 45 percent of their attempts. Faulkner forced 23 turnovers in the game and had numerous opportunities to take control but could never get on a roll.

Chris Palmore puts down the jam after a steal

    “We just couldn’t put the ball in the basket,’’ said Faulkner coach Jim Sanderson, whose team was playing in its first game since Dec. 13. “But it looked like we didn’t play as hard as we could have either. We had a good couple of practices prior to the game, but we didn’t bring that same intensity to the floor today.’’

Reggie Dupree sails upward for the score after the steal

     Faulkner jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead, but Southern Wesleyan went on a 16-6 run to grab a 16-12 lead at the 9:24 mark of the first half. The Eagles never led again in the game, but had many chances to escape the upstart Warriors’ upset bid.

De Hereford moves to the rim in the second half

     Southern Wesleyan led 29-21 at the half and increased the lead to 42-32 with 8:24 left in the game. Faulkner, sparked by a pair of low post baskets by Oneil Mangal, went on a 9-0 run to cut the margin to a single point with 7:40 to play. The Warriors responded with a 16-4 streak that built the lead back to 13 with only 3:08 showing on the clock.

Randell Moore hits a jumper in the second half

     Despite making just one basket in the final three minutes – a De Hereford runner in the lane – the Eagles scratched their way back from the free-throw line. Randell Moore made 7 of 8 attempts down the stretch, and when Hereford made 1 of 2 tries with 46 seconds left, Faulkner was back to within 3 at 58-55. The Eagles forced a turnover with 38 seconds left and Mangal was fouled cutting to the basket, but he missed both free throws.

Fred Foster slices through the defense in the first half

     The Warriors grabbed the rebound, and Byron Wimphrie got loose for a breakaway layup with 18 seconds left that effectively slammed the door on the Faulkner comeback.

Senior Aaron Greenwood knocks down a shot late in the second half

    Faulkner was paced by Moore’s 13 points, while Southern Wesleyan got 16 points from Nick Lagroone and 15 from Kenneth Joyner. Wimphrie added 12 for the Warriors.

    The Eagles travel to Mt. Vernon, Ga., Thursday night to face Brewton-Parker at 7 p.m.