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The Tigers ran Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) out of the building. On Saturday, the No. 1 ranked Hampden-Sydney College took control early and didn’t let up, dominating EMU 102-61 to pick up another home win at Kirby Field House. 

The win marked Hampden-Sydney’s ninth-straight, as they improved to 14-1 overall, 6-1 in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC). The visiting Royals, who trailed 49-26 at halftime, dropped to 4-12 overall, 0-8 in the ODAC-led by Julien Hagerman with 12 points.

“The guys came to play today,” said fifth-year head coach Caleb Kimbrough. “We moved the ball well and played together on both ends of the floor. When we play for each other, we are a strong team! Also, shout-out to my wife Marlee for throwing an awesome birthday party for our son, Nash, at the game. It was great to see another great crowd!”

Breaking down the game 

Hampden-Sydney scored the first seven points and never really looked back. The Tigers extended the lead to 15-5 with 13:32 on the clock courtesy of the first of five three-pointers off the bench by junior Ayman McGowan. The Garnet & Grey pushed the advantage to 26-5 at 10:52 following a slam dunk from Ryan Clements, assisted by sophomore Shane Fernald, who had made a steal, as well, to finish a 14-0 run. Hampden-Sydney took its largest lead of the half at 32-8 with 9:20 on the clock after a basket inside by senior Alex Elliott, once-again assisted by Brazil. 

EMU used four consecutive three-pointers to close to within 32-22 at 5:04, but that was as close as it would get. The home team outscored the Royals 17-4 over the final 4:50 of the opening 20 minutes to lead comfortably at the intermission, 49-26, with scoring from six different players and finished by senior Davidson Hubbard with a last-second slam dunk of his own.

Hampden-Sydney began the second half strong and extended its margin to 70-38 at 13:41 after another three-pointer by McGowan, while Hubbard scored nine quick points, and the Tigers led 77-42 at 11:16 following a floater in the lane by McGowan. 

EMU was never closer than 30 points thereafter, trailing 84-54 with 6:42 left to play after a pair of free throws. The Garnet & Grey used a quick 10-0 run to lead 94-54 at 4:31 following a driving layup from junior Nick Shryock, with Clements scoring four points, and the home team took their largest lead at 102-57 with 1:37 remaining after a three-pointer by sophomore Kolby Wright, who was playing in his first game this season. Overall, all 17 players dressed saw action for H-SC, and 14 different Tigers scored in the contest toward a season-high of 102 points.

Hampden-Sydney, by the numbers

Hubbard led Hampden-Sydney College with his game-high 23 points on an efficient 9-12 field goals, including 2-3 three-pointers, and 3-3 free throws, adding seven rebounds. McGowan finished with his career-high 17 points, including 5-12 three-pointers, and two assists in 15 minutes for the Tigers. Clements contributed his 12 points and game-high eight assists that tied his career-high, as well. Adam Brazil had nine points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal. Shryock added a season-high eight points and career-highs of seven rebounds and four assists in 13 minutes. Hardy, Fernald and Wright each had six points, the latter making 2-3 three-pointers, while Fernald added a career-high six assists. Elliott finished with a game-high nine rebounds. 

Hampden-Sydney College shot a season-high 58% (43-74) from the field, including 42% (11-26) on three-pointers, and 50% (5-10) at the free throw line. The Tigers had a season-high 34 assists, the most since the 2011-12 season, and enjoyed a 60-12 advantage in points scored in the paint, as well as a 50-21 advantage in bench points.

Hagerman led EMU with his 12 points. DaiJordan Brown added 11 points and five rebounds for the Royals. EMU shot 33% (20-61) from the field, including 31% (12-39) on three-pointers, and 69% (9-13) at the line.

Up next for Hampden-Sydney College

The Tigers will go on the road next week, playing ODAC opponent Randolph College on Wednesday, Jan. 17, at 5 p.m. in Lynchburg.

To read the feature on Tigers forward Davidson Hubbard, click here.