Over 500 fans came to the Gallaudet Field House as part of the
13th Annual Alumni Basketball Madness, and they saw one of the best
basketball games in years at the Gallaudet Field House, as the
Bison battled first place Wesley in a game that could have gone
either way but was won by Wesley 91-78.
Wesley came into the game undefeated in Capital Athletic
Conference play and on a 9 game winning streak, and they brought
the CAC's top offense and top offensive player, Rashawn Johnson,
who is averaging 25 points per game. It was a great battle tonight
between the Seniors, Johnson from Wesley, and Sekoe White from
Gallaudet. Johnson scored 31 points. White scored
24, and also had 5 rebounds, 5 assists, one block and one
steal. White and Johnson both had dunks during the game and
both made shots from all over the floor, including from 3-point
range.
Gallaudet also received a boost from freshman Jeremy Thrush who
started today's game and rewarded Gallaudet Head Coach Jeb Barber for his
decision with 14 points on 7-9 shooting and 11 rebounds. Johnny Jackson, Jr.
scored 13 points and had 4 rebounds and 4 assists in just 25
minutes due to foul trouble. Tony Tatum scored 10
points and grabbed 6 rebounds.
The Bison played hard the whole game, and despite Wesley's speed
which led to many fast-break opportunities and a 17 point half-time
lead, Gallaudet never quit. In the second half Gallaudet
outscored Wesley 44-40. For the game, Gallaudet shot 48% from the
floor as they did a great job moving the ball around, and getting
open under the basket for easy lay-ups. In the second half, the
Bison were 18-31 from the floor. Gallaudet also did a great
job on the boards today. Wesley had just one more rebound
than Gallaudet 43-42.
Coach Barber and his assistant coaches wore suits with sneakers
today as part of the National Basketball Coaches Asssociation
weekend recognizition of cancer awareness. College basketball
coaches throughout the country are wearing suits with sneakers this
weekend to help spread awareness about cancer. Coach Barber
told his team what hurt them today was first half free-throw
shooting and first half offensive rebounding. "We dug a hole
in the first half, shooting 4-11 from the free throw line and
giving up 13 offensive rebounds. The second half we shot 8/9
and allowed just 6 offensive rebounds to get back into the
game. I'm proud of the kids fight in the second half."
Gallaudet is 9-10 on the season. Wesley is 13-5, after starting
the season 3-5. Gallaudet next plays Monday night in Frederick
against Hood College at 8 pm.
