The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) men’s basketball team suffered a heartbreaking 84-83 defeat to Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) on a made free throw attempt as time expired during First Responders Appreciation Day at the Elridge Blake Sports and Fitness Center on Saturday. The team falls to 3-12 on the season and 1-8 in Gulf Coast Athletic Conference play.
In a game of runs, UVI got off to a fast start and jumped out to a 16-6 lead to start the game behind the scoring of junior guard Jalil Langston. He contributed seven points in that stretch.
SUNO then went on a 7-0 run to bring the game within three points before the next made basket by the Buccaneers. Senior guard William Steger delivered a shot from behind the arc to stop the run and end the Buccaneers' three-minute scoring drought. The teams traded baskets until the 7:09 mark when the Buccaneers relinquished their lead for the first time in the ball game (27-25). The momentum remained on the side of the Golden Knights as they opened their lead and took a 43-36 advantage into halftime.
The Buccaneers struggled to score early in the second period and trailed by 18 points at the 14:44 mark. Senior guard Shirmoy O’Garro entered the game and gave the Buccaneers the spark they needed to turn the game around. O’Garro made back-to-back defensive plays that led to transition baskets for UVI, both by junior forward Nico Thomas.
In a game that seemed out of reach, the Buccaneers mounted a furious comeback going on a 19-6 run to cut the deficit to two points with four minutes remaining on the clock. Langston again had the hot hand for the Buccaneers, scoring eight straight points during this sensational run. The 6-foot-3 guard from Suffolk, Virginia delivered a three-point basket with 3:07 remaining in the game giving his team the lead for the first time in the second half.
A battle ensued with both teams trading baskets down the stretch. With 10 seconds left in the game, junior guard Keylin Vance put the Bucs up by two at the free throw line. On the final possession of the game, SUNO’s desperation three-point attempt was offline, but the offensive rebound was grabbed and put back in as time expired with a foul called on the play. The free throw attempt was good ending the game 84-83.
Naythan Shaw Clarke recorded 11 points, eight assists, and five rebounds for UVI.
Juniors Nasir Watson and Nico Thomas added 13 points and 10 rebounds, respectively, both being new season highs.
For SUNO, Jamal Gibson led the way with 27 points.
The Buccaneers will continue their homestand as they host Wiley College on February 1 for Breast Cancer Awareness Night at the Elridge Blake Sports and Fitness Center as we honor those who have fought the battle and shed light on a cause that is near and dear to our hearts. The action begins at 6 p.m. AST.
About UVI Athletics
The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and, as of July 1, 2023, competes in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC). Entering the 2023-24 season, the Buccaneers will begin their 17th season of athletic competition. As the only Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the Caribbean, UVI currently sponsors six sports, including men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s basketball, and men’s and women’s outdoor track and field. For more information on UVI Athletics, visit UVIAthletics.com.