Anderson, SC – Poor shooting in the second half doomed the Flying Fleet as they lost 79 to 69 to rival Anderson University last night in non-conference men’s basketball action at the Abney Athletic Center. Erskine falls to 0-2 on the young season while Anderson evens their record at 2-2.
Playing in front of a near capacity crowd, the Fleet trailed 20-11 in the early minutes of the game. The Fleet used a 12-3 run to tie the game capped by junior John Michael Smith’s jumper and took the lead for the first time since the opening minute on freshman DeShaun Hall’s basket. By halftime, the Fleet had stretched their lead to ten points by shooting an impressive 17-32 (53.1%), including 7 of 15 from 3-point range, in the first half.
Despite poor shooting, the Fleet maintained their lead until midway through the 2nd half with a strong defensive effort. At that point, Anderson rattled off a 10-0 run to take the lead for the first time in the second half. Anderson’s lead continued to grow to as much as 15 points with less than 5 minutes to play. The Fleet closed to within eight points but could draw no closer losing the rivalry game 79 to 69. The Fleet went just 9 of 26 (34.6%) in the second half.
Sophomore forward Chris Gore (Myrtle Beach, SC, Myrtle Beach High School), the only returning starter from last year’s squad, led the Fleet with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Freshman DeShaun Hall (Inman, SC, Landrum High School) scored 16 points while fellow freshman Travis Liner (Charlotte, NC, Northside Christian Academy) hit five 3-point shots to finish with 15 points.
The Fleet travel to Greenwood, South Carolina, this Saturday to play local rival Lander University. Tip-off is set for 3:30 p.m.
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