The University of North Carolina at Pembroke invaded the Gaines Center, and earned an impressive road win against a retooled Winston Salem State squad.
Winston Salem, North Carolina- This contest went down in front of a packed house. The Rams student section got after the visiting Braves all night, I have to say the energy was emphatic throughout the gymnasium!
The Braves captured a double digit lead by halftime, they withstood some rigorous runs from the Rams late in the second half, but ultimately this group never lost control of this contest.
UNCP (3-0,0-0) Standouts
6’7 senior Akia Pruitt played big minutes and led the way with 20 points and 20 rebounds, in a homecoming for the RJ Reynolds graduate he stole the show. Pruitt had a solid first half but he really turned it up in the second half, and proved to be a key reason this game remained out of reach. Pruitt was effective from all three levels, he made mid range jumpers off the bounce in rhythm, he looked comfortable overpowering smaller wings on the block, Pruitt welcomed contact on finishes.
Pruitt stretched the floor also, his three point shooting ability opens the floor for this offense, he went two for three on the night from deep. Pruitt looked good in space, off the bounce and in transition, he routinely carved out space. The versatility Pruitt brings will be a major weapon for an already deep team, Pruitt impacts the game on both ends, he will clean up the glass and guard multiple positions as well.
Along with Pruitt UNCP utilized their size advantage with 6’10 senior Carson Mounce, they got him involved early and often. Mounce made his touches count, he showed poise and strong hands in the post. Mounce was persistent on the glass and earned some tough second chance points. Mounce was one rebound short of a double double, he had 10 points and nine boards on the night.
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