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HAMPDEN-SYDNEY, Va. -- Junior captain Jake Hahn/Ruckersville posted game-highs of 23 points and 13 rebounds for his ninth double-double this season to lead Hampden-Sydney College to a 61-53 Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) basketball home win past Randolph College on Wednesday night at S. Douglas Fleet Gymnasium. Sophomore Jack Wyatt/Richmond added his sixth double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds, and freshman Ryan Clements/Conyers, Ga. had his first career double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds for the host Tigers (10-7, 5-3 ODAC), who led 26-25 at halftime en route to their ninth win in the last 11 games. H-SC has also equaled its win-total from the last two seasons combined (10). Brian Smith has 15 points for the visiting Wildcats (6-11, 2-6 ODAC).
"Great environment tonight!" said first-year head coach Caleb Kimbrough. "We are very thankful for all the people who came out and supported the team, as well as the V Foundation for Cancer Research. We knew Randolph was going to be well-coached and very disciplined. Our defense and rebounding really took us home."
H-SC took an early 17-10 advantage at the 7:00 mark of the first half, getting seven early points from Hahn, five from Clements, three from Wyatt and two free throws from senior Chaise Johnson/Richmond. Clements and Hahn each made three-point field goals for the Garnet & Grey. Randolph, however, scored nine unanswered points to lead 19-17 at 4:38, but consecutive layups by Wyatt, Clements and Hahn had the Tigers back ahead 23-21 with 2:33 on the clock. It looked like the Wildcats would hold a 25-23 lead at the break, but freshman Chase Turner/Virginia Beach had other ideas when he connected on a running three-pointer from beyond midcourt at the first-half horn to give the hosts a 26-25 advantage at the intermission.
Randolph scored the first six points of the second half to lead 31-25 with 18:11 remaining, and the Wildcats still led 35-30 with 16:41 on the clock. H-SC responded with a 13-1 outburst to go ahead 43-36 with 10:16 left to play, getting seven-straight points from Hahn along with four points from Wyatt and two more free throws from Johnson. Another three-pointer by Clements made it 46-40 at 9:07, but five-straight points by the visitors made it 46-45 with 7:27 on the clock. Once-again the Tigers responded well, this time with a quick 8-1 run to lead 54-46 at 2:45, getting four points from Clements, three from Wyatt and one from Hahn. Randolph could get no closer than five points over the final 2:34, as H-SC secured the victory with a layup and 4-4 free throws by Hahn, and 1-2 free throws by Wyatt over the final 1:18, including its largest lead of the contest at 60-51 (00:29).
Hahn led H-SC with his game-highs of 23 points and 13 rebounds for his ninth double-double, equaling is career-high in points, adding a game-high four assists and one block. Wyatt finished with his sixth double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Tigers. Clements had his first career double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, adding a game-high four assists and two steals, while Johnson contributed four points, and Turner added the three points via his first-half, buzzer-beating three-pointer from half-court and six rebounds. H-SC shot 34% (21-61) from the field, including 19% (4-21) on three-pointers, and 75% (15-20) at the free throw line. The Tigers enjoyed a 32-20 advantage in points scored in the paint and a 14-7 advantage in second chance points—the hosts also had a huge 52-31 advantage in rebounding, including 18 offensive boards.
Smith led Randolph with his 15points, adding eight rebounds. Justin Dula finished with 13 points for the Wildcats. Randolph shot 36% (21-58) from the field, including 24% (6-25) on three-pointers, and 39% (5-13) at the line.
The contest was designated as the program's annual V Foundation Game for Cancer Research. Donations were collected to aid in the continued search for better treatments and cures for all types of cancers. The V Foundation has partnered with the ODAC and its member schools to host a V Foundation Cancer Research night for each men's basketball team. All funds raised go directly to the V Foundation to support cancer research.
H-SC will play on the road at ODAC opponent Eastern Mennonite University on Saturday afternoon, January 25, at 2 p.m. in Harrisonburg.
About the V Foundation
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded by ESPN and legendary basketball coach Jim Valvano with one goal in mind: to achieve Victory Over Cancer®. Since its formation in 1993, the V Foundation has awarded more than $250 million in cancer research grants nationwide and has grown to become one of the premier supporters of cutting-edge cancer research. Due to generous donors, the Foundation has an endowment that covers administrative expenses.
