ATLANTA, Ga. – The most successful season in UWF men's basketball history came to an end Saturday at Forbes Arena. The No. 9 Argos (28-4) could not overcome the hot shooting of the Barry Bucs (21-8), ultimately falling by a final of 90-73 despite 21 points from Marvin Jones and 17 from Rashaan Benson.
"We didn't start well, we didn't play well today," said UWF head coach Jeff Burkhamer. "We didn't practice well this week. I think a little bit of that had to do with the NCAA pressure. Coming in, this was the first time we'd ever been here. This is their fifth time, and they came in and played terrific. Everytime we'd make a run, they'd make a shot. We were not able to cut into the lead after a poor start."
Barry began the game on a 21-4 run in the first 7:30, building a lead the Argos could not overcome. UWF cut the lead to 33-20, but Barry roared back to take a 44-27 lead to halftime. Benson led the Argos with eight points and three assists in the first. Jarrett Henderson added six points, three rebounds and two blocks. Darryl Tucker scored five points and grabbed three boards.
Jones came to life early in the second, scoring ten points in the first six minutes. But Barry continued to score efficiently. The Bucs finished the contest 31 of 57 (.544) from the field and 11 of 26 beyond the arc (.423). The team also shot 17 of 25 (.680) from the line.
A layup by Benson cut the Bucs' lead to 76-62 with just under seven minutes to play, but UWF would get no closer. Jones and Benson each logged 36 minutes on the floor. The contest was the sixth this season in which Jones scored at least 20 points. He accomplished the feat in four of UWF's final five games.
Benson added five assists and five rebounds to his 17 points. DJ Thorpe scored 10 points and dished one assist while recording one rebound before fouling out. Latrell Tidwell scored five points and accumulated six rebounds. The Argos shot 25 of 66 from the field (.379) and 7 of 24 (.292) beyond the arc. The Argos went 16 of 23 (.696) from the line.
Barry will now advance to face Claflin, who defeated Clark Atlanta 72-61, in the Regional semifinal round.
The loss concludes a historic season for UWF that saw the team capture its first GSC title and earn its first NCAA Tournament berth. The squad reset program records for wins, longest win streak to start a season, and longest win streak overall, among others.
"We had a great, great year," said UWF head coach Jeff Burkhamer. "I told these guys don't let this game take away from what we accomplished. We've had a great year."
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