MOCS 2-0

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Story to follow . . . 4 players in dbouble figures ... lead 30-27 at half and lead in final 15 by 15 points and the final 8 minutes by 20 points.

Go MOCS !!!

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MOCS EXPLODE IN SECOND HALF TO ROUT DEFENDING SIAC CHAMPS

MONTEVALLO, AL – Dale Parsons and Michael Simms combined for 35 points, and Hurley Dunbar keyed a second-half spurt that allowed Florida Southern to pull away for a 78-57 win over Albany State at the University of Montevallo Classic.

The Moccasins (2-0) had led 30-27 at halftime after late baskets by Simms (17 points) and Parsons (18 points) had erased a one-point Albany State lead. The second half belonged completely to Florida Southern though as they led by double digits for the final 15 minutes and 20 or more for most of the final eight. The Mocs held the defending SIAC champions to just 34 percent shooting in the second half, one field goal in the final five minutes and just two points in the final three.

“It was a good win on the road against a very good South Region opponent,†said coach Tony Longa. “We played well defensively in both halves and got very balanced play throughout the game.â€Â

It was Dunbar who sparked the big second half. He opened the scoring with a three-point play on the Mocs’ first possession and followed a baskets by Simms and Dwayne Abraham with a 3-pointer that put them ahead 37-29. After another bucket by the Golden Rams (0-1), Dunbar scored again, giving the redshirt sophomore eight of his 10 points during the first 2:45 of the second half.

A 3-pointer by Parsons five minutes into the period gave the Moccasins a 10-point lead and started a 12-3 run that essentially put the game out of reach. Simms capped it with a steal and break-away layup, scoring seven of his 17 points during that stretch.

A three-pointer by Albany State’s Scheraun King with 9:30 remaining got the Golden Rams within 14 but the Moccasins would score on five straight possessions to push their lead to 21. They were never threatened again.

“Everyone played well tonight, especially Blake Williams (11 points, eight rebounds),†said Longa. “We got good minutes from him and very good floor work from Allen Gilberry.â€Â

Williams and Andrei Grant, who had a game-high 10 rebounds, helped the Moccasins dominate the boards. Florida Southern held a 58-30 edge in rebounding, grabbed 22 on the offensive end and seemed to end up with every loose ball. In addition to Williams and Grant the Mocs also got 23 rebounds from their guards, including nine from Dunbar and seven from Gilberry. Both were career highs.

While four Moccasins scored in double figures, only Frank Pinson did so for Albany State with 10 points. The Golden Rams also hurt themselves at the free throw line where they made just eight-of-25 attempts (32 percent). They missed their first seven free throws and 13 of their first 16.

Florida Southern plays its second game in the Montevallo Classic on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. central time against Virginia State University.

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After talking with the coaches and some fans ...

Player of the Game

Michael Simms