Statesmen Take Salkehatchie to the Brink

by Alden Di Dio

SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, VA - The Richard Bland College of William & Mary men's basketball team faced off with the No. 18 nationally-ranked NJCAA Division 1 team USC Salkehatchie on Saturday. Though the Statesmen fell to the Indians 88-75, RBC defended their turf with electrifying intensity that was felt throughout the audience. 

The Statesmen move to 9-9 on the season and will host Cape Fear Community College on Wednesday, January 29 at 7 p.m.

The first period belonged to the Statesmen. Coming out of the gate, the Statesmen secured a 3-0 lead over Salkehatchie within the first three minutes of the game. Shortly after, the Indians were able to rise above the Statesmen with a 11-8 lead seven minutes in. RBC, however, was not backing down and Antonio Puaauli-Pelham tied up the game with a three point shot at 12:31. A fight for the lead quickly ensued until the Statesmen acquired a sizable lead of 20-16 with nine minutes left in the half. RBC maintained a lead over Salkehatchie through the rest of the first period and USC Salkehatchie was kept at a five point distance until the buzzer. This lead was made possible by Kenneth Southerland's stellar offensive and defensive performance, who prevented multiple layups and slam dunks. 

When both teams were sent to the locker rooms, the score stood at 42-36 with the Statesmen on top. 

Though RBC was able to keep the Indians at bay in the first period, Salkehatchie took back the lead three minutes after the start of the second. Small intense advances were made on both sides of the court which sent a wave of electricity throughout the crowd at Statesmen Hall. Eventually, the Statesmen were able to break through the Salkehatchie defense and take a lead of 62-56 with 11 minutes left. Corbin Slayton tacked on more to the lead by making three consecutive free throws in a tight situation to make the score 65-59 and added two more 10 seconds later. With six minutes left in the game, USC Salkehatchie took a 70-69 lead over the Statesmen after two free throws. RBC knew to act fast which prompted Southerland to drive to the basket and put one up. The Statesmen then led by only a single point. Though RBC fought for the lead, USC Salkehatchie continued to put up two point shots and free throws to win the game. At the final buzzer, the Statesmen ultimately fell short of the win and the final score stood at 88-75.

Overall, the Statesmen were led by Southerland with 20 points, Pelham with 18 points, and Slayton with 16 points.