PEMBROKE, N.C. – The Converse University men's basketball team shot 61 percent from the field in the second half but it was not enough as they fell 78-64 to UNC Pembroke on Wednesday night.
Converse (4-5, 3-4 Conference Carolinas) has now lost back-to-back games for the second time this season. For the second consecutive game the Valkyries outscored their opponents in the second half but in both instances the Valkyries were outrebounded by the opposition.
Due to a shot clock light malfunction at the start of the game, UNC Pembroke (8-1, 5-1 Conference Carolinas) was given a technical foul to start the game.
Jimmie Sanders III (Dallas, Texas) converted the free throw opportunity to give the Valkyries a unique 1-0 advantage over the Braves.
Following the opening tip-off, the Braves started the game on a 5-1 run before Sanders was able to score the first basket of the game for Converse. With 16:04 to play in the first half
Sigurd Lorange (Trondheim, Norway) knocked down a three-pointer to pull the Valkyries within a point of UNC Pembroke. Moments later, Lorange hit his second consecutive three-pointer and the game was tied at nine.
The Valkyries offense then went cold for five straight minutes before
Jay Mitchell (Clemmons, N.C.) exploded off the ground for a put-back slam. Unfortunately, the dunk did not generate offensive momentum as the Valkyries went almost the final nine minutes of game time without a field goal. Sanders III scored on a fastbreak layup attempt with a minute left in the half and the Valkyries trailed 33-15 at the halftime break.
UNC Pembroke opened the second half on a 7-2 run but the Valkyries countered with a 9-2 run of their own. With the momentum on their side the Valkyries began to shoot their way back into the game. Lorange connected on a pair of free throws with 14:04 remaining in the match and Converse trailed 45-34.
Just when the Valkyries thought they were able to close the gap against UNC Pembroke; the Braves began to extend their lead once again. With 8:14 to play in the game, Jordan Ratliffe rattled in a three-pointer and the Braves had extended their lead to 21-points over the Valkyries. Although the Valkyries were never able to get within single-digits of the Braves, they did outscore UNC Pembroke 49-45 in the second half.
Mitchell finished with a career high 17-points and tied his career high in rebounds with nine boards on the night. Lorange and Sanders III each contributed 13-points in the loss while
Elijah Pitts added 9-points.
Earl Burgess III once again asserted his dominance in the post with a 4-block performance.
Next Up:
The Valkyries will be back in action this Friday night against Gardner-Webb in exhibition action. This will be the Valkyries first ever game against a Division I opponent, tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m.
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