January 29, 2004

Mobile Men Win Fifth Straight

NEW ORLEANS, La. -- Freshman Mark Stewart's three pointer with 24.2 seconds remaining in the second overtime lifted No. 7 Xavier University (17-2, 7-1) to an 80-72 victory over the University of Mobile (15-7, 5-3) in a thrilling double-overtime game played at "The Barn" on the Xavier University campus in New Orleans, La.  

With chances to win at both the end of regulation and the first overtime, the Rams failed to capitalize on their opportunities.  Junior Gabe Feagin's jump shot with one second left in regulation was blocked and Tramaine Perry's fade-away three pointer at the end of the first overtime fell just short.

Trailing by as many as 12 points in the second half, the Rams never let up.  Infact, Mobile rallied to take the lead at 56-54 with just 3:56 to play on Perry's first basket of the second half.

However, turnovers and poor free-throw shooting down the stretch found a way to come back and haunt the Rams.

After scoring the first five points of overtime in the first session, the Rams found themselves behind by five in the second overtime.

Trailing 75-70, Feagin hit one of two free throws to cut the lead to 75-71.  On the next trip down the court, a poor pass resulted in a turnover for the Rams.  After making a defensive stop, Feagin again went to the line and was only able to hit on one of two free-throws, trimming the lead to 75-72 with just 51.2 seconds remaining.

The Rams wouldn't get any closer as the Gold Rush improved to 7-1 in conference play and 17-2 on the season.

Early on with the Rams trailing 17-12, Perry ignited a 10-2 run with a three-pointer from the wing.  Gimel Lewis followed that up with his second thunderous dunk of the night and Mobile tied the game at 17-17.  After trading baskets, Perry stroked his second consecutive three pointer to put Mobile ahead 22-19, their largest lead of the game.

After going back and forth for the first nineteen minutes, freshman Mark Stewart took control of the final minute of the half.  First, Stewart hit a leaner in the lane to put the Gold Rush ahead 29-26 with 36.6 seconds remaining. Stewart then made a steal on the defensive end resulting in Jonathan Harper's slam to end the first half with the Gold Rush ahead 31-26.

The Rams will next be in action this coming Saturday, Jan. 31, when the team travels across town to do battle with GCAC-rival Spring Hill College.