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Hampden-Sydney took control early and didn’t let go Friday night, running over La Roche University 98-61 in the first round of the NCAA Division III Men’s Basketball Tournament. The seniors led the way for the Tigers, with Davidson Hubbard putting up 21 points and 8 rebounds. Fellow senior Alex Elliott added 14 points, while senior team captain Josiah Hardy had 10 points and a game-high 11 rebounds. 

With the win, Hampden-Sydney improves to 27-2 overall. The Redhawks complete their season with a final record of 17-11 and were led by Bryce Epps with a game-high 22 points. Hampden-Sydney advances to the second round of the NCAA Tournament and will host Farmingdale State (NY) College on Saturday night, March 2, at 7 p.m. in Fleet Gym. The Rams (27-2) advanced with an 80-66 win past Stevens (NJ) in the other first-round contest on Friday.

“Unbelievable atmosphere tonight,” said Tigers Head Coach Caleb Kimbrough. “The guys were locked in. We played together and with purpose. We need to carry that over to tomorrow … it’s a one-day deal!”

Running away in the second half 

The Tigers began the second half right where they left off and led 63-39 at 15:33 following a fast break layup by Hubbard that followed baskets from fifth-year Ryan Clements, Elliott and Hardy. Coach Kimbrough was able to go to his bench early, and H-SC led 69-45 following a basket inside by Fernald at 13:08 … 73-45 after a layup from junior Nick Shryock (off the bench) at 11:33 … 76-48 following a three-pointer by junior Ayman McGowan (off the bench) at 10:45 … and it was 85-54 after an offensive rebound basket from Fernald at 6:47.

Sophomore Kolby Wright (off the bench) connected on a deep three-pointer for a 93-59 advantage at 2:25, and a slam dunk by freshman Alex Cannon (off the bench) made it 95-59 at 1:57 toward the final 37-point margin of victory. Sophomore Davis Cauble (off the bench) had a game-high three assists while playing the final 3:36.

Hampden-Sydney, by the numbers

Hubbard led H-SC with his 21 points, including 3-7 three-pointers, adding eight rebounds and a game-high three assists. Elliott finished with his 14 points for the Tigers, including 2-3 three-pointers, along with four rebounds and two assists. Hardy contributed his first double-double of the season, and fourth of his career, with his 10 points and game-high 11 rebounds, adding two assists, as well.

Fernald had 10 points, seven rebounds and game highs of three assists and two steals-the latter tying his career-high. Brazil and Clements each had nine points and a game-high three assists. All 15 Tigers dressed to play saw action, and 13 scored in the contest. H-SC shot a season-high 59% (38-64) from the field, including 33% (9-27) on three-pointers, and 72% (13-18) at the free throw line.

The Garnet & Grey enjoyed a 48-14 advantage in points scored in the paint, and a 35-5 advantage in bench points, while the 98 points scored are the second-highest this season and the second-highest scored by the Tigers in an NCAA Tournament game in Fleet Gym.

Epps led LRU with his game-high 22 points. Frank Stumpo had 13 points, five rebounds and a game-high three assists for the Redhawks. LRU shot 35% (19-55) from the field, including 36% (9-25) on three-pointers, and 78% (14-18) at the line.

How can I watch Saturday’s game?

Hampden-Sydney advances to the second round of the NCAA Tournament and will play Farmingdale State on Saturday night, March 2, at 7 p.m. in Fleet Gym. Tickets to the contest will be available on Saturday beginning at 5 p.m. at Kirby Field House on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The game will also be broadcast and can be heard locally on WVHL Radio, Kickin’ Country 92.9 FM, pregame airing at approximately 6:35 p.m., and will also be available worldwide on the Internet at wvhl.net or via the TuneIn Radio App, while available to watch as well on the Tiger Sports Network.