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It was the Adam Brazil show on Wednesday night and the fifth-year guard didn’t disappoint. Brazil scored a game-high and career-high 34 points, with a career-high eight rebounds, to lead No. 23 Hampden-Sydney College to an 84-77 win over Randolph-Macon. 

Junior forward and team captain Shane Fernald added a career-high 19 points, and equaled his career-highs with eight rebounds and six assists for the Tigers, who led 41-35 at halftime and improved to 2-0 on the season. Keishawn Pulley Jr. scored 15 points for the visiting Yellow Jackets, who dropped to 1-2 on the season. It was H-SC’s first win at home in Fleet Gym against RMC since February 1, 2017.

“That’s what I’m talking about,” said Tigers Head Coach Caleb Kimbrough. “Thankful for all the students and supporters who came out, there is nothing like the Kirby atmosphere. It’s early and we have a lot to clean-up, but Roll Tigers baby!”

The two nationally-ranked programs battled closely throughout a majority of the contest witnessed by a supportive and vocal near-capacity crowd of 1,133. There were seven lead changes and four ties, though H-SC did maintain an advantage for 35-plus minutes against RMC.

The Tigers took an early 7-4 lead at 17:51 after a layup by freshman guard Travis Stickney that followed five opening points from Brazil, including three free throws when fouled on a three-point field goal attempt. The Yellow Jackets led 16-14 at 11:35, but eight unanswered points-four by Brazil, a three-pointer from senior guard Nick Shryock and a free throw by Fernald-had the home team ahead 22-16 with 7:48 on the clock. RMC closed to within 28-27 at 3:44, but the Garnet & Grey closed the half with a 13-8 run to lead 41-35 at the intermission. Fernald scored the first seven points of the outburst that included a rare four-point play by junior transfer guard Hamilton Campbell, who was fouled while making a three-pointer and then made the free throw, and Brazil closed the half with an offensive rebound and jumper in the lane ahead of horn-Brazil finishing the opening 20 minutes with 13 points, while Fernald added 12 points.

Tigers roll over Randolph-Macon

H-SC began the second half with baskets from senior guard Ayman McGowan and Fernald to push the margin to 45-35 at 19:33. RMC used a quick 12-4 run to close to within 49-47 with 16:33 remaining, but the Tigers answered back to lead 57-50 at 13:31 following a three-pointer by junior transfer guard and team captain Colin Radcliffe. The Yellow Jackers were within 58-54 at 10:53, but the Garnet & Grey put together an 11-1 run to take their biggest lead of the night at 69-55 with 7:39 left to play-getting five points from Brazil, a basket by Shryock and a three-pointer from McGowan. H-SC still led 75-62 at the 5:00 mark following a turnaround jumper in the lane by Brazil, and the visitors were no closer than six points once down the stretch, as Brazil closed with a three-pointer and 4-4 free throws over the final 2:40 to secure the outcome and final margin of victory.

H-SC shot 50% (29-58) from the field, including 32% (7-22) on three-pointers, and 83% (19-23) at the free throw line. Randolph-Macon shot 44% (25-57) from the field, including 24% (7-29) on three-pointers, and 74% (20-27) at the line.

Up next for Hampden-Sydney

H-SC plays on the road next week at non-conference opponent and No. 5 Christopher Newport University on Tuesday night, November 19, at 7 p.m. in Newport News.