MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Feb. 20, 2015) – Despite an outstanding second half comeback effort, the Sewanee men's basketball team dropped its Southern Athletic Association (SAA) Tournament quarterfinal contest against Hendrix, 73-71, Friday inside Mallory Gymnasium on the campus of Rhodes College.
The Tigers end their season with a 16-10 overall record. Hendrix advanced to Saturday's semifinals with a 10-16 mark.
After a slow start by Sewanee, the Tigers clawed back from an early five-point deficit to tie the contest at 9-9. In fact, Sewanee would cap off a 14-4 run when Jorden Williamshit his second three of the game three minutes later. At that point Sewanee led by five, 16-11.
Unfortunately for the rest of the first half, Hendrix responded back. The Warriors led by three when Gabe Gumm hit a three at the 5:47 mark. Hendrix then outscored the Tigers 12-6 to close the opening 20 minutes.
Out of the locker room, Hendrix kept rolling early. The Warriors built their largest lead with 15:01 to play when Hank Aldous made a three to make the score 47-31.
Down but not out, Sewanee kept fighting. A layup by Brody Stone slowed the Hendrix run. Over the next 10 minutes Sewanee's offense kept working. Down by nine, 63-54, Williams made three straight free throws to pull the Tigers to within six points.
A jumper by Marcellus Caldwell, and free throws by Jacob McCullough and Keshonn Carter, Sewanee tied the game at 63-63 with 1:47 remaining.
Down the stretch, Hendrix built its advantage back after Luke Vance scored five straight points. However, down six, 71-65, with only eight seconds left Sewanee did not quit. A three by Williams made the score 71-68. Hendrix then sent Williams to the line a second later when Vance committed a foul. Williams made the two ensuing free throws to cut the Hendrix lead to one.
After the Warriors made two free throws with five seconds left, Williams was fouled again. He made the first free throw and missed the second intentionally. On the ensuing rebound Carter's putback just missed sealing the win for Hendrix as times expired.
Overall, both teams shot the ball well. Sewanee made 51.0 percent of its attempts while Hendrix made 52.2 percent.
Individually, Williams scored a career-high 29 points on 9-of-12 shooting. His 152 career three point shots made is tied for ninth in program history with Brett Bouldin.
Caldwell also played well with 14 points while Carter added 10.
Vance led four Hendrix players in double figures with 18 points.
Friday marked the final game for seniors Caldwell and Robert Veal.
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