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It was the Adam Brazil show on Tuesday night. That’s something Hampden-Sydney alumni and fans have gotten used to hearing, especially so far this season. On Tuesday, Brazil scored a game-high 28 points, including 21 in the second half, to lead the No. 7 Tigers to a 80-63 win over Shenandoah University. 

Playing in front of a rowdy crowd at Kirby Field House, Brazil added a season-high eight assists, while junior forward and team captain Shane Fernald added eight points, a game-high 11 rebounds-tying his career-high, and six assists. The Tigers led just 37-34 at halftime before outscoring their stubborn visitors 43-29 after the break to improve to 8-1 overall, 3-0 in the ODAC. Shamir Taylor had 13 points off the bench for the visiting Hornets, who dropped to 4-6 overall, 0-3 in the ODAC.

“Big ODAC win tonight,” said Tigers Head Coach Caleb Kimbrough. “It took us a while to settle in, but I commend the guys for staying together and finding a way. We don’t take any wins for granted. Especially in league.”

Hampden-Sydney, ranked No. 7 in the latest D3hoops.com Top 25, jumped out to an early 16-5 advantage at 12:56 behind six quick points from freshman guard Travis Stickney and three-pointers by Brazil and senior guard Ayman McGowan. An offensive rebound basket from Fernald had the Tigers ahead 24-16 at 6:43, and the Garnet & Grey led 31-23 after a three-pointer by junior transfer guard and team captain Colin Radcliffe with 4:07 on the clock. SU, however, used an 11-2 run to go ahead 34-33 with 56-seconds left in the opening half. The hosts scored the final four points of the half to lead 37-34 at the intermission, getting a pair of free throws each from Brazil and senior guard Nick Shryock.

Adam Brazil, Tigers take back control

SU took a 41-40 advantage early in the second half, courtesy of a three-pointer by Joshua Stephen with 18:10 remaining, but that would be the last lead of the contest for the Hornets. Hampden-Sydney used a quick 10-2 run to go back in front 50-43 at 15:05, getting baskets from Stickney and Fernald, before Brazil connected on back-to-back three-pointers.

The visitors hung tough and were within 53-50 with 12:06 left after a layup by Stephen, but the Tigers responded a 15-3 run to take control and lead 68-53 with 7:23 on the clock. Junior transfer guard Hamilton Campbell sparked the outburst with two three-pointers, while Radcliffe added another triple, and Fernald added four points and freshman forward John Campbell added a layup off a nice assist from Brazil. SU got to within 68-57 at 5:55, but Adam Brazil outscored the Hornets 12-6 over the final 5:24, including a trio of three-pointers, to provide for the final margin of victory.

Hampden-Sydney shot 49% (29-59) from the field, including 43% (13-30) on three-pointers, and 90% (9-10) at the free throw line. Shenandoah, meanwhile, shot 39% (24-62) from the field, including 27% (6-22) on three-pointers, and 69% (9-13) at the line.

What’s next for Tigers? 

Hampden-Sydney will host the first Charlie Cobb Classic on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 20-21, in Fleet Gym. The Tigers will play John Carroll (OH) University on Friday, Dec. 20, at 7:30 p.m., following the opening game of Eastern (PA) University versus Washington and Lee University at 5:30 p.m. The Tigers will play Eastern on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 4 p.m., following JCU and W&L at 2 p.m. The Garnet & Grey will also conduct their banner unveiling prior to Saturday’s contest in recognition of the 2023-24 team finishing as the NCAA Division III National Finalist.