By: J.R. Tidwell

            The Bevill State Community College Bears defeated the Alabama Southern Community College Eagles 112-92 at home on January 5. Both teams gave off impressive offensive stats throughout the contest, with Bevill State hitting 59.6 percent on field goals for the evening. After regulation, the Bears and the Eagles were deadlocked, and a single overtime was needed to decide a winner.

            Bevill State rolled in the first period, putting up 50 points to Alabama Southern’s 39, mostly in part to the high field goals percentages shot by the entire Bears squad. Everything was going in favor of Bevill State in the first half, but the Eagles made a strong second half comeback, evening the contest at the end of regulation. The match went into overtime, with Bevill State dominating the extra time, outscoring Alabama Southern by 20 points. This win was a big one, giving the Bears momentum as they begin conference play on January 8.

            Darren Sadler and Pat Carr led the dynamic offense for the Bears, scoring 32 and 27 points respectively. Sadler added five assists, and Carr contributed three rebounds and two assists. Ervin Herron and Mike Campbell also made it into double digits, Herron with 17 points and Campbell with 13. Campbell also had one rebound and one assist. Allen Rigsby, Erin Harris, Terry Randle, and Justin Clements rounded out Bevill State’s offense with nine, seven, five, and two points.

            On the defensive side, rebounds were the key factor for the Bears. Sadler had seven, Carr had five, Campbell and Herron totaled three each, and Clements, Harris, Rigsby, and Randle numbered two apiece. Sadler and Rigsby led the team in steals at two each, with Carr, Clements, and Campbell adding one each as well. Campbell also had the Bevill State’s only block of the contest.

            Bevill State (4-10) begins conference play by hosting the Snead State Parsons on January 8.