NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Life U 74, Thomas 59
Records: Life U 8–3 (3–0 SSAC); Thomas 2–7 (0–3 SSAC)
THOMASVILLE, Ga. — The Life University men's basketball team got back in the win column Thursday night, putting together a wire-to-wire 74–59 road victory over Thomas University. The win halts a three-game skid for the Running Eagles and keeps them undefeated in SSAC play.
Life U came out with urgency, opening the game on a fast 9–0 burst. Layups from Shane Stevensen and Josh Baugher set the tone early, and a three from Calvin Payton made it 9–0 before Thomas finally answered. A Stevensen layup shortly after pushed the margin to 11–3 as the Running Eagles established early control.
Thomas briefly trimmed the deficit behind timely perimeter shooting, but Life U countered every push. Brashon Hall and Matija Gledic delivered a key first-half surge, highlighted by consecutive Hall triples and a strong Gledic sequence of both offensive and defensive plays. Life U stretched its lead to as much as 19 in the opening period and took a 37–29 advantage into the break.
The Running Eagles maintained command throughout the second half. Baugher and Maurice Wright directed the offense, while Stevensen continued scoring efficiently around the rim. Thomas generated small runs behind Jamari Favors and Shane Payne, but Life U's defense forced 18 turnovers, converting them into 20 points.
The Running Eagles closed out the night with composed, efficient basketball to secure the 74–59 conference road win.
TURNING POINT:
Life U's rapid 9–0 start set the tone, and a later stretch featuring back-to-back threes from Hall and a Gledic triple extended the margin to double digits for good.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
— Life U shot 50.8% from the field (30–59).
— The Running Eagles dominated the paint, 46–18.
— Life U forced 18 turnovers and turned them into 20 points.
— Bench scoring: Life U 11, Thomas 41.
— Largest Life U lead: 19 (1st, 8:40).
— Rebounds: Thomas 38, Life U 34.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
— Brashon Hall: 16 pts, 5 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl
— Josh Baugher: 15 pts, 6 reb, 6 ast, 3 stl
— Maurice Wright: 15 pts, 4 reb, 4 ast, 3 stl
— Shane Stevensen: 14 pts (7–10 FG), 2 reb, 2 ast
— Matija Gledic: 11 pts, 8 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl
