SMC Drops Season Opener to Georgia Gwinnett, 106–70
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – A 31-6 run midway through the first half proved to be the difference in the season opener for the Spartanburg Methodist College men's basketball team, as the Pioneers fell to Georgia Gwinnett, 106-70, on Thursday night.
After trailing 54-24 at halftime, SMC battled back in the second half, playing the host Grizzlies nearly even with a 52-46 margin over the final 20 minutes.
Despite the loss, SMC (0-1) was led by Tavarez Lacey, who posted 17 points and six rebounds. Musa Murithi added 14 points on four made three-pointers, while Kennedy Aiken-Shannon contributed nine points and a team-high five assists.
Georgia Gwinnett (1-0), playing its first-ever collegiate game, was led by Drew Kramer with a game-high 18 points, connecting on six three-pointers. Devontre Chaney recorded a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds, falling just one assist shy of a triple-double with nine assists. Manny Montgomery and Amari Morgan also scored in double figures with 12 and 10 points, respectively.
The Grizzlies, who were receiving votes in the NAIA Preseason Poll, shot a blistering 54.4 percent (37-of-68) from the field in their debut at the Convocation Center and converted 18-of-22 from the free throw line. Despite committing 16 turnovers that led to 22 SMC points, Georgia Gwinnett's shooting proved too much for the visiting Pioneers.
The Pioneers will host Southeastern University in their home opener on Wednesday, November 5, at 7 p.m. inside Bridges Arena. Fans in attendance will have a chance to win $1,000 by making a half-court shot during the game.