Shenandoah (11-8 overall, 7-3 USA South) finally broke away in the waning moments of the contest, as host Chowan (9-10, 4-5) went cold from the field. The Braves missed six of its final seven shots as SU turned a seven-point lead into the final 13-point margin.
Sophomore Kenneth Purnell did most of the work in the final 20 minutes of play; Purnell had all 18 of his game high points after the break. Purnell also held the USA South’s leading scorer, Chowan’s Travon Lathan, to 17 points. This is his lowest output since scoring 15 against Christopher Newport on January 17, a span of six games.
The second half featured five ties and eight lead changes; until the Hornets made their final run CC had owned the largest advantage when they led 42-37 at the 11:25 mark.
Unfortunately for the hosts, Shenandoah went on a 7-2 run over the next 1:54 to tie the game at 44-44. From this point on, the two teams were within three points of one another before a 10-0 SU run clinched it for the visitors. Purnell scored six of his team’s points during this run, including what proved to be the game winning basket on a layup with 5:57 remaining.
The Hornets had a season high five players in double figures, led by Purnell’s 18. Halston Camp had 12, while James Brodie, Chris Jenkins and Chris Rhone all had 10.
Lathan was the only CC player in double figures and he had a co-game high seven rebounds along with Camp. Shenandoah also held the Braves to a season low one three-point basket. CC was 1 for 19 from behind the arc.
A complete box score and play by play can be found at http://www.su.edu/athletics/mb/200304/020804.htm
Shenandoah is now off until hosting winless Averett Saturday afternoon at 4:00.