DUE WEST, S.C. – The Erskine College men's basketball team (1-2, 1-2 CC) picked up its first win of the season, defeating King University (2-6, 1-5 CC) 79-75 on Saturday afternoon in Belk Arena.
 
GAME ESSENTIALS:
Conf. Carolinas Standings | Stats | Scores
Div. II Scores | Record Book | CC Digital Network
 
THE SERIES
Erskine picked up only its third ever victory against the Tornado and the first in Belk Arena tonight. King leads the all-time series 13-3.

THE GAME
Uzziah Dawkins opened the scoring for the Fleet offense who shot 39.4% from the field in the first half with a layup off a pass from Jalen Miller. The Fleet used a 7-0 run in a nearly a minute's time span to open an early 11-4 lead over the visiting Tornado with 17:09 to play in the opening half. The Tornado captured a lead which they would not surrender the rest of the half, off a Joe Gault jumper with 10:32 to play. Neither team could gain more than a seven-point edge over the other as the visiting Tornado took a 42-35 lead into halftime. The momentum shifted early in the second half with the Fleet scoring the first eight points to push ahead 43-42. After a made free-throw from Travis Walters with 6:38 to go, the Fleet enjoyed the largest lead of the game for either side, ahead 67-55. In the final minute, the Tornado pulled to within three, but the Fleet hung on for the victory 79-75.

THE PLAYER
Travis Walters once again led the way for the Fleet collecting a team-high 16 points and 10 rebounds, both career highs for the junior.

THE TEAM
Walters was supported by three others in double figures; Matthew Brown (13), Emandi Brooks (12) and Uzziah Dawkins (10).
 
As a squad, Erskine shot 29-65 from the field (44.6%) and were 8-25 from beyond the arc (32%). The Fleet won the battle on the boards 53-42 and were more efficient passers, leading 22-9 in assists.

WHAT'S NEXT 
The Fleet begin a four-game week, starting things off with a home matchup against Emmanuel College (7-4, 5-1 CC) on Tuesday at 7:00 PM.
 
Last season, the Lions visited Belk Arena and escaped with a one-point victory over the Fleet. Emmanuel has won nine consecutive meetings with Erskine and lead the all-time series 11-1.

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