Due West, SC – The Fleet (8-12 overall, 5-8 conference) shot an outstanding 53% from the floor, including 11 of 19 from three-point range, to send Barton College (11-8 overall, 8-5 conference) to their fifth straight loss.
The Fleet scored their first four points of the game from the free throw line as Barton played a very aggressive and physical defensive game. Erskine grabbed an early lead when Brandon Wright hit a three-point shot from the corner, giving Erskine a 7 to 5 lead and breaking Erskine’s all-time scoring record of 1,939 points set by Mike Jenkins (1966-1970). Later in the half, Barton tied the game at 19 to 19 but Erskine immediately responded with a 6 to 0 run. The Fleet maintained their lead to finish the half leading 39 to 33.
Barton maintained their aggressive defensive pressure on the Fleet and opened the second half on a 12 to 5 run to take a one point lead at 45 to 44. On Erskine’s next possession, Victor Street drained a shot from three-point range to put the Fleet back on top. The Fleet twice stretched their lead to double-digits but each time the Barton Bulldogs came back. With just a minute remaining, Barton’s Jarrett Jernigan stole the ball and raced down the court for an easy lay-up, cutting the Erskine lead to two points at 73 to 71. After working the clock, Erskine’s Jay Boulware penetrated the lane to draw a shooting foul with just 11 seconds remaining. He made one of his two free throws to give Erskine a three point lead. With the Fleet guarding against the three-point shot, Barton’s Gerald Boston found teammate JoJo Velez under the basket for the lay-up, drawing Barton to within one at 74 to 73. The Fleet smartly inbounded the ball to Brandon Wright who was immediately fouled. Brandon Wright drained his two free throws, securing the 76 to 73 win for the Fleet.
The Fleet were led by Brandon Wright’s game-high 29 points while fellow senior Jay Boulware contributed 19 points. Freshman Chris Gore pulled down 6 rebounds to pace the Fleet. The Bulldogs got 21 points from Gerald Boston.
The Fleet continue their home-stand as they play Belmont-Abbey College on Monday. Tip off is set for 7:30 p.m.