The Blue Jays would flip the script on the entire game with a 32-point outburst in the third quarter, as they went from 5-down to leading by 7 heading into the final quarter. "That is something we focus on, the last 4 minutes of the 1st half, and the first 4 minutes of the 2nd half," Coach Mario Bell said after the game as he spoke on what sparked the comeback. Kavion Coleman and Keyonte Wingfield combined for 19 points in the 3rd quarter, as shots started falling and the defense turned into offense for the Jays.
In the final quarter, it was back and forth, but in the end the Jays hit some free throws and sealed the deal. Kavion Coleman led the way with 26 points, 19 of which came in the second-half. Coleman finished the night with a team high 16 rebounds and 6 assists. Keyonte Wingfield finished the night with 17 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals . Wingfield effected this game in more ways than one, with his excellent on-ball defense, playmaking, and taking care of the basketball. Keyonte was very impressive on Friday night. Freshman Monti Mixon made a huge splash in this game, as he finished with a season-high 11 points, including a nice corner 3-ball. Mixon also was big on the glass, especially the offensive boards with 7 offensive rebounds, Brogan Rhodes had 8 points, Caleb Moss had 7 points, Kobe Hughey had 5 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists, and Justin Myrick added a 3-pointer. I caught up with Kavion Coleman after the game and this is what he said about the win, "Defense, we started pressing the ball, we knew they couldn't dribble so defense was the key."
Big road win for the Jays, as they improved to 4-0 on the season. Coach Bell had this to say after the game, "Our guys figured it out, they battled, they had every chance to feel sorry for themselves and say this isn't our night, but they kept fighting and found a way to win." This group has shown multiple times in this young season, that they are still figuring it out, but they have done a great job thus far finding ways to win games. The Jays are proving to be a well balanced team and they continue to work hard and find ways to win games, improving to 3-0 on the road this season, which is always a good sign.
The Blue Jays are set to host Bradley on Tuesday night.
Photos courtesy of Josie Carlton
