Candi Molina Santana
Contributing Writer
“I’d say it was nothing but excitement. We know the work we put in. We know our potential as a team, which is exciting. We compete at a high level, and tonight was proof of that.” said Senior Cam Young after a blowout victory versus Elizabeth City State University (ECSU).
ESU held a 24-8 lead in the beginning of the first half, which they maintained throughout the whole game. The Warriors optimized the other team’s turnovers and rebounded greater than their opponent. The final score of the game was 94-71. ESU dominated and opened their season with a huge win.
ESU started the game with confidence and won the tip-off. ESU used their possession to make the first point of the game. The first point was a baseline layup made by Lakeem McAliley.
With an average of 16.3 points a game, Lakeem McAliley led all scorers with 29 points. Seven of those 29 points were free throws from fouls and charges.
Cam Young had nine points. Nasir Griffin had nine points and 10 rebounds, almost getting a double-double.
On ECSU’s first possession, they turned it over. ESU’s defense was ruthless and never let up throughout the whole game. The Warriors took advantage of The Viking’s rushed movements and finished the game with 10 steals.
ECSU finished the game with 20 turnovers.
The game grew more chaotic. In the 13th minute of the first half, players from both teams had to be separated. The small scuffle only fueled the feud.
ECSU cut the huge lead into just 20 points by halftime, making the score 48-29.
ECSU’s momentum flowed to the second half. As ECSU adapted, they managed to steal the ball six times throughout the game.
The game stopped in its final moments. Jaquantae Harris, from ECSU, sustained a game-ending injury. Both the players and the audience clapped as he walked off.
“When you’re down, it builds you up,” said Harris.
After seeing their teammate fall, ECSU put their foot on the gas and pushed. Even though they were behind in points, their plays never slowed
Although both teams were slowly gaining confidence, ESU’s pressure was too much for The Vikings.
After the hard-fought game, the final score was 94-71, making ESU’s record 1-0.
John Richardson III commended ESU’s aggressiveness and is hopeful they can turn this loss into a learning experience for their season.
“We just got to get better. ESU came and punched us in the face. The pressure bothered us and had us out of sorts,” said Richardson. “Hopefully, we can come back tomorrow. Losing is the beauty of basketball; we can have better days.”
ESU’s next game is on Nov. 10 at 7:00 p.m. against the Lincoln Lions. ESU’s record against The Lions is 2-0.
After the Lions, ESU will be facing The Dominican College Chargers. The game will take place on Nov. 15 at 6:00 p.m. at Dominican University New York.
ESU’s all-time record against the Chargers is 1-0, with their lone matchup taking place in 2009.