LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Ga.--- Sophomore communications major Tyler Hall delivered a career-high 18 points on Friday night, helping Asbury men's basketball (4-5, 0-0 CCS) to a 87-78 win over Toccoa Falls (0-6) in game one of the Covenant Classic in Lookout Mountain.
The game began with intense competition, reflected in a closely fought first half that concluded with the Eagles trailing slightly, 42-44. However, the determination of AU shone through in the second half.
The Eagles, led by standout performances from their top scorers, managed to turn the game in their favor in the second half, outscoring Toccoa Falls 45-34. Sophomore business administration major Cam Jones scored 20 points on 6-10 from the field and 3-6 from 3 PT land. Jones also added five boards and five assists to his totals.
Senior sport management major Ben McNew added 16 points, three rebounds, and four assists while Tyler Hall dropped in a career-high 18 points on an efficient 5-11 from the field.
Toccoa Fall's Will Gray-Watson was particularly instrumental, bringing in 24 points, seven rebounds, and two steals.
AU shot 30-64 from the field (47%) and 11-29 from three (38%), also adding 16-22 from the free throw line (73%).
Toccoa Falls ended 27-62 (44%) and 6-26 from three (23%).
Asbury was outscored by the Eagles in the paint 40-30, but was able to convert 27 points off fast break compared to Toccoa Falls 13.
The Eagles maintained a lead in bench scoring over AU 16-13 and scored more points off turnover than Asbury 18-8.
AU turned the ball over 14 times leading to 11 Toccoa steals comapred to Asbury's eight steals off of 11 Eagles turnovers.
Looking ahead, the Eagles will be again on the road for game two of the Covenant College Classic in Lookout Mountain, Ga., facing Bob Jones University on Saturday afternoon at 12 PM.
It was a battle. For 40 minutes, our guys played their butts off and we had a great time doing it. Whenever you can get a win it's sweet but when you have to fight for it, it's even sweeter.
Tyler Hall | Communications | Lexington, Ky.
* Cam Jones | 20 PTS (3-6 3PT), 5 REB, 5 AST, 2 BLK
* Tyler Hall | 18 PTS (career-high), 2 REB, 2 AST
* Ben McNew | 16 PTS, 4 AST, 3 REB
* Jonathan Combs | 14 PTS, 9 REB, 2 BLK
* Scott Shepherd | 6 PTS, 6 REB
* Cayden Lancaster | 9 PTS, 4 REB
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