MILLERSVILLE, PA – The Thomas Jefferson University men's basketball team (1-4) headed into the break up 34-30 heading into the break, but a decisive second half by the Marauders lifted them to a victory as the Rams fell to Millersville University (4-1) 71-67 in non-conference action this Tuesday afternoon.
 
WHAT HAPPENED
The teams would be even with their shooting in the first half, as the Rams went 13-27 on the field (48.15%) while the Marauders were 14-30 (46.67%). Most of the first half would be trading the lead and tying it up, with eight of the 12 times the scores were tied. Eventually after having it 28-28 with three minutes left in the first half, Erik Timko would score four of the Rams six points at the end of the half. Hakim Byrd would score the other two points to get Jefferson into the break up 34-30.
 
The second half would see similar pace, as the teams would be even to begin the period. Tied at 41-41, Millersville scored four straight points with Jaden Faulkner accounting for two of the buckets to push the Marauders up 49-41. Millersville would keep adding to their lead, pushing away to eventually have it 58-49 with 8:42 left in the game. Jefferson would begin to mount a comeback, seeing a three from Hakim Byrd along with scores from Antonin Kemkeng, Timko, and Ashton Miller. Byrd would hit another three to tie the game at 61-61 with under five left to play.
 
Millersville and Jefferson would have it at 63-63, but the Marauders would push it to 70-65 with under a minute to go. Ahmed Barba-Bey would hit his layup and Timko would get a turnover to give the Rams one more chance with three seconds left to go, but a turnover and one made free throw propelled Millersville to a 71-67 win.
 
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
Hakim Byrd: 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting (4-7 3PT), 3 rebounds
Antonin Kemkeng: 14 points on 6-of-10 shooting, 4 rebounds
Ahmed Barba-Bey: 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting, 6 rebounds, 3 assists
 
UP NEXT
Jefferson will look to get back in the win column as they return to the Gallagher Center on Sunday, November 26 when they host Adelphi University at 3 p.m.