JOHNSON, VT. – The Johnson State College men's basketball team defeated Green Mountain College 59-56 in a North Atlantic Conference (NAC) game on Thursday evening in Carter Gym.
The Badgers improve to 10-14 on the season and 7-10 in the NAC, while the Eagles move to 10-14 on the season and 7-10 in the conference.
1st Half
The teams stayed close through the first half of the period, with the score tied at 11 with 11:26 remaining. The Badgers went on a 16-7 run over the next nine minutes to take a 27-18 lead. Green Mountain closed out the half on a 7-0 run to bring the score to 27-25 Johnson going into the break. Thomas Brown led all scorers with ten points in the half, while Kawaun Chavis (Philadelphia, Pa.) and Marqwon Wynn (Wilmington, Del.) each scored six for Johnson.
2nd Half
The Eagles pulled the game back even four minutes into the second, when Brown hit a three-pointer to tie the game at 34. Johnson retook the lead on the next possession on a Benjamin Holl (Philadelphia, Pa.) layup. The Badgers would maintain the lead through the remainder of the game, taking a 59-56 victory after a last second three by Brown missed the mark. Holl led the Badgers with ten points in the half, while Brown led all scorers with 17.
Johnson Leaders
Holl paced Johnson with 14 points to go along with five rebounds. Wynn and Jordan Singleton (Palm Bay, Fla.) each added 11 points, while Chavis chipped in 10 more.
Green Mountain Leaders
Brown led all scorers with 27 points and nine rebounds, Javier Lugris and Pierce Weatherspoon added eight and seven points, respectively.
Stats Breakdown
Johnson shot 46.4% from the field to Green Mountain's 37.0%. The Badgers held a 25.0% to 24.0% edge in three-point field goal percentage. Green Mountain held a narrow 34-32 advantage in rebounds, while Johnson forced 19 turnovers and committed 17.
Senior Celebration
Following the game, seniors Holl, Singleton, and Wyatt Larose (Enosburg Falls, Vt.), as well as senior Student Assistant Coach Brady Rainville, were recognized for playing in their final home game.
Next Up
Johnson will travel to Castleton on Saturday, February 18th for their final game of the regular season at 1:00 p.m.