MARIETTA, Ga. — The Life University men's basketball team battled to a season opening win against Thomas University Friday night, rallying from behind to come back in the thrilling 73-67 contest.
The Running Eagles (1-0) got off to a slow start in the first after scoring the opening basket. In fact, after the scoring the opening field goal, Life University was held scoreless over the next five minutes as Thomas University (0-1) jumped ahead to an 11-2 lead.
The 11-0 run was ended by a Mohamed Elgohary free throw, 11-3. A Life U. layup and three pointer then cut into the Night Hawk lead but the visitors continued to fight back, answering with five points of their own.
Life University then attempted to cut the deficit throughout the first half, cutting it down to two at the five minute mark before the Night Hawks were again able to force a couple of turnovers and misses to extend their lead back to six, 33-27, at the break.
Second half action saw both teams explode to score a three pointer and resume play, with Joshua Ward scoring his first two attempts of the second half with two three pointers, 38-33.
Despite the fight from the Running Eagles, Thomas University refused to give away the lead until the 15 minute mark as a Srdjan Popovich splash from long range saw Life U. earn its first lead of the ballgame, 44-42.
A tying TU bucket moments later again knotted both teams at 44 apiece before a pair of Elgohary free throws tied the game again moments later at 46 all.
Thomas University then reclaimed a lead 52-50 before a 7-0 run from the Running Eagles put Life U. back ahead 55-52. After claiming the lead, the Running Eagles and Night Hawks went on to battle back and forth in the contest with neither team claiming a real advantage until the final minutes of play.
The Running Eagles maintained a slim lead until the two minute mark when a dunk from Mohammed Abubakar leveled the contest at 65-65. TU then jumped ahead 67-65 before the Running Eagles won the game in the final minute and a half of play with a final 8-0 push to down the Night Hawks.
In the end, Life University controlled just about every statistical facet of the game, with bench production landing heavily in favor of the Running Eagles as the nonstarters combined to score 45 of the teams 73 points.
Mohamed Elgohary led all scorers for Life U. with 19, while freshmen Joshua Ward and Srdjan Popovich both reached the double-digit mark with 14 and 15 each. Sophomore Mason Barnes netted 12 points off the bench for Life University.
Up next, the Running Eagles will return to play their second contest of the season tomorrow, October 29th, at the Eagles' Nest. Tipoff is set for 2 pm.
