BOX SCORE
FORT VALLEY, Ga. – The University of West Florida men's basketball won its season opener via a 72-63 decision over Albany State on Friday evening to start the season at 1-0.
UWF went into halftime with a 46-32 lead, largely in thanks to efforts from
Austin Somerfield (eight points, eight rebounds) and
Darryl Tucker (eight points, six rebounds). The Argonauts shot 45.2% from the floor in the first half on 14-of-31 shooting, and were successful on 76.2 of free throw attempts.
West Florida outrebounded Albany State 28-20 in the first half, and the Argonaut defense held ASU to just a 34.3 field goal percentage prior to the halftime break.
Jason Laatsch erupted for 10 points in the second half, leaving him with a game-high 17. Laatsch converted on 5-of-14 field goal attempts, including going 3-for-8 beyond the arc. Laatsch also contributed a game-high four assists.
ASU, who came back from the break shooting well with a 44% field goal percentage in the second half, fought back from a 14-points halftime deficit and eventually tied the contest at 61-61. Laatsch came through in the clutch on the next two possessions, drilling a three pointer before converting on a layup to give UWF a 65-61 lead. The Argonauts maintained the lead the rest of the way en route to a 72-63 victory.
Rashaan Benson posted 11 points while also having four assists, while both
Austin Somerfield and
Darryl Tucker finished their nights with double doubles. Somerfield contributed 13 points and 12 rebounds with Tucker adding a game-high 13 rebounds and 10 points.
It is the first time UWF has had two different players post a double double in the same game since Somerfield (33 points, 13 rebounds) and Benson (14 points, 11 assists) did so last year in a 94-92 setback against Shorter on Jan. 30.
UWF wastes no time and jumps right back into action tomorrow against Fort Valley State at 1:00 p.m.
For information on UWF athletics, visit GoArgos.com.
