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The Hampden-Sydney Tigers entered the NCAA Division III Tournament with a spark, jumping out to an early lead Friday. That spark never faltered on Friday, as the team cruised to a 102-66 win over Bryn Athyn (PA) College. 

Playing at home, in front of a packed gym at Kirby Field House, the Tigers spread the scoring around. Senior guard Ayman McGowan led all scorers with 18 points, while fifth-year guard and team captain Adam Brazil contributed 12. Freshman guard Tugg Bizzelle finished with 10 points for the Tigers, who took control with a 26-9 run to begin the second half after leading 44-32 at halftime, while improving to 22-5 overall.

 The Lions meanwhile complete their season with a final record of 20-9 and were led by Will Little with 17 points. H-SC advances to the second round of the NCAA Tournament and will host the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford on Saturday night, March 8, at 6:40 p.m. in Fleet Gym. The Panthers (24-3) advanced with a 98-96 win past TCNJ in the other first-round contest on Friday.

Hampden-Sydney Tigers take control

H-SC trailed early against BAC, who led 14-10 at 12:54 after an old-fashioned three-point play by Jalen Jackson. The Tigers, however, used a quick 10-0 run to lead 20-14 with 10:04 on the clock as Bizzelle scored five points, and the Garnet & Grey extended the run to 26-10 for a 36-24 advantage at 3:27 following a steal and layup by Bizzelle. Six different players scored during the outburst, including seven points from Bizzelle, five points from freshman guard Travis Stickney snd four points from freshman forward John Campbell. The Lions were within 36-28 at 2:24, but Bizzelle connected on a three-pointer, as did junior guard and team captain Colin Radcliffe as the home team led 44-32 at the intermission.

H-SC continued its momentum to begin the second half, quickly pushing the lead to 20 points at 54-34 with 17:33 left to play after a three-pointer by Brazil. McGowan followed with three consecutive three-pointers for a 63-57 lead at 15:32, and the margin was 29 points at 70-41 with 13:07 remaining-getting two free throws from senior guard Nick Shryock, another three-pointer by Brazil and a layup from freshman guard Peter Moye.

The Tigers maintained and extended the comfortable margin the rest of the way, leading 75-48 at 9:28 after a two-handed slam dunk by John Campbell … 85-56 at 6:02 following three-pointers by Shryock and junior guard Hamilton Campbell … 90-58 at 3:15 after another three-pointer from Hamilton Campbell … 96-61 at 1:45 following a slam dunk by sophomore guard William Britt … and the biggest lead was 102-63 after a layup from freshman guard John Wells toward the final margin of victory.

Tigers by the numbers 

McGowan led H-SC with his game-high 18 points, including 6-14 three-pointers. Brazil finished with his 12 points for the Tigers, adding game-highs of four assists and two steals. Bizzelle contributed his 10 points off the bench, adding a career-high seven rebounds, along with a game-high four assists, while Shryock had nine points, four rebounds and a game-high four assists. 

Fernald, Stickney and John Campbell each scored eight points, with Fernald adding five rebounds and a game-high four assists, and Stickney adding seven rebounds. H-SC shot 58% (38-66) from the field, including 41% (14-34) on three-pointers, and 71% (12-17) at the free throw line. The Tigers enjoyed a 24-9 advantage in second chance points, out-rebounding the Lions 43-25, including 13-7 on the offensive glass, along with a 47-13 advantage in bench points and a 44-30 advantage in points scored in the paint.

Little led BAC with his 17 points. Jackson finished with 15 points and game-highs of nine rebounds and three steals for the Lions. Keith Bullock Jr. had 12 points. BAC shot 39% (22-56) from the field, including 19% (4-21) on three-pointers, and 72% (18-25) at the line.

How can I get tickets to NCAA Tournament? 

Tickets for the second round of the NCAA Division III Tournament can be purchased online via computer at events.hometownticketing.com now through approximately 4 p.m. on Saturday, no passcode necessary, and use your smart phone to gain entry to the event. You can also purchase tickets by downloading the HomeTown Fan App on iOS and Android devices. Tickets will also be available on Saturday at the entrance to Fleet Gym beginning at 5 p.m. Prices are $15 for adults, $10 for senior citizens (65 and older) and $10 for students (six years old through college).