Men’s basketball tops 2012 win total with win over UNC Pembroke

By Jaycob Ammerman| gargoyle@flagler.edu
Matt Clark scored 15 points in Flagler College’s 83-75 win against the University of North Carolina at Pembroke Braves in a Peach Belt Conference men’s basketball game Feb. 9 at the Flagler Gymnasium.

While the team only won a total of nine games last season, Saturday’s win was their 10th this season, and 7th conference win.

“Every win in the peach-belt is a battle and getting a win today was huge,” Clark said.

The Braves had a 10-point lead with just over 12:27 remaining in the game. But Flagler used a 27-9 point run in the final 10 minutes to come away with the impressive win.

The Saints shot a season best 54 percent from the floor. Ante Gospic led the Saints with a game-high 25 points and 14 rebounds giving him eight double-doubles on the season.

Gospic scored 17 of his 25 points in the second half.

“Ante had one of his best games tonight. He really rebounded well and made big shots and free throws down the stretch,” Clark said.

The Braves were led by Shahmel Brackett who had a team high 19 points.

The Saints were also led by Richard Brown who scored 13 points and a game-high six assists.

Flagler’s win helps stop a three-game losing streak, and improves their record to a 10-11 overall and 6-8 overall in conference play.

“Our motivation has been to be in the top 8 in our conference to get into the playoffs for the first time in Flagler history in the peach-belt conference,” Clark said.

The Saints will have their chance to improve their record on Thursday Feb. 14 against the Peach Belt Conference Division leader USC Aiken at 7:30 at the Flagler Gymnasium.