JOHNSON, Vt. – The Johnson State College men's basketball team defeated Thomas College 86-77 in a North Atlantic Conference (NAC) game on Saturday afternoon in Carter Gym.
The Badgers improve to 6-6 on the season and 3-3 in the NAC, while the Terriers fall to 6-7 and 4-2 in conference play.
1st Half
The teams played a tight first half, with the largest lead for either team being six points. The Terriers would hold the 43-40 lead going into the second. Tyheem Simon and Carlos Gonzalez led all scorers in the half with 14 points each, with Gonzalez pulling in five rebounds. Kawuan Chavis (Philadelphia, Pa.) led Johnson with 10 points, with Marqwon Wynn (Wilmington, Del.) and Rasul Jackson (Philadelphia, Pa.) adding eight more each.
2nd Half
Thomas jumped up in the second, going on an 18-12 run to take the 61-52 lead five minutes in. The Badgers battled back, pulling the score even at 69 with nine minutes left in the game. Johnson pulled away down the stretch, taking the 86-77 victory. Benjamin Holl (Philadelphia, Pa.) carried the Badgers in the second, scoring 16 points, including four three-pointers. Willie Grant led Thomas in the half with 10 points.
Johnson Leaders
Holl led the Badgers with 23 points and eight rebounds, while Chavis was right behind him with 21. Wynn tacked on 17 points for Johnson, with Demetrius Slade (Washington D.C.) leading the team with five assists.
Thomas Leaders
Tyheem Simon tied Holl for the game high with 23 points, while Gonzalez picked up 18 more and a team high eight rebounds.
Stat Breakdown
Thomas outshot the Badgers 51.7% to 46.5%, but Johnson was better from the arc by a 54.5% to 35.7% margin. The teams were even with 34 rebounds each, while Johnson won the turnover battle 16-12.
Next Up
The Badgers will travel to Pine Manor on Tuesday for a non-conference game at 3:00 p.m.