MONTGOMERY, Ala. – No. 17 UWF men's basketball (21-3, 13-3 GSC) broke the program record for most wins in a single season Thursday, downing Auburn Montgomery 63-46 at the AUM Athletics Complex.
"I'm just really proud of our players for having an unbelievable year last year and now taking it even a step further," UWF head coach Jeff Burkhamer said about the team's record-setting 21st win. "That's what we talked about: making bigger waves in the GSC, and we've done that. Now we're just wanting to add to it. I told the guys tonight I was just really proud of them."
UWF turned in another excellent defensive performance, holding the Warhawks (9-15, 5-11 GSC) to .283 shooting from the field. The 46 points were the fewest surrendered to an opponent this year. The .283 mark was the lowest opponent field goal percentage for the team in 2017-18. It was the second straight game in which the Argos have held an opponent to less than .300 shooting from the field.
"I thought we did a really good job of containing the dribble and then making them take tough shots over a hand, and that's what we really wanted to try to do," said Burkhamer.
Darryl Tucker led the way for UWF, scoring a game-high 18 points (8-15 FG, 2-3 FT) and adding 12 boards for his ninth double-double of the season. Henri Ventoniemi scored 13 points (6-8 FG, 1-4 FT) and grabbed six rebounds. Marvin Jones scored 11 points (3-9 FG, 3-6 3-PT FG, 2-3 FT) and posted 8 rebounds.
UWF fell behind early 10-6 but got going as the first half went on. Tucker provided his usual spark off the bench, helping the Argos turn a small early deficit into a 31-24 halftime lead. A potent 15-6 offensive stretch in the latter stages of the opening period helped to put UWF in charge.
Tucker finished the first half with 12 points and six rebounds. He also added three blocks. Marvin Jones added six points and five rebounds. The Argos shot 13 of 29 from the field in the first while limiting the Warhawks to 7 of 25. The Argos won the battle of the boards 20-17 in the game's first 20 minutes.
UWF held AUM without a point for over five minutes to begin the second, a stretch Burkhamer felt helped the Argos to gain an insurmountable edge.
"I thought the biggest key was the start of the second half," said Burkhamer. "Moter Deng's energy and ability to get offensive rebounds really kind of got us going, and then we were able to put the game away offensively in the first eight minutes of the second half."
Deng would finish the game with six boards, all on the offensive glass. A dunk by Tucker just over five minutes into the second put the Argos up by 18. Auburn Montgomery was unable to trim that lead to less than 12, and UWF grew the lead to as large as 60-35. The 17-point margin of victory equaled the team's second-largest in conference play this season.
UWF dominated the glass, outrebounding AUM 49-35 overall and 29-18 in the second half.
"I thought we really did a good job of rebounding the ball and executing in the second half, and I thought that was the difference," said Burkhamer.
The Warhawks made 6 of 21 (.286) three-pointers in the game and sank 14 of 20 (.700) free throws. Only 14 of the team's points came on two-point field goals. UWF shot 4 of 21 (.190) from deep and 7 of 16 (.438) from the line while finishing 26 of 66 (.394) from the field.
DJ Thorpe finished with nine points, three rebounds, and three steals. Rashaan Benson added four points and six assists. Deng and Latrell Tidwell each scored four points. Reagan Eubanks scored 14 points to pace the Warhawks.
No. 17 West Florida travels to West Georgia (11-12, 6-10 GSC) for a 4:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. CT matchup Saturday. Listen live to the contest in Carrollton on Choice 106.9 FM/980 WRNE and at goargos.com/live.
"We've just got to get ready for the next game," said Burkhamer about preparing his team for what should prove to be another tough battle vs. West Georgia. "It's the most important game of the year, it's the biggest game of the year because it's the next game. West Georgia's fighting for a spot in the GSC Tournament. We're fighting to stay in the mix to possibly win the league and to get an NCAA bid, so it's an important game for both teams."
The Argos previously defeated the Wolves 88-86 in Pensacola Feb. 10. For the latest information on the UWF men's basketball program, follow the team on Twitter @UWFMensBBall.
#ARGOS#
