MOC men play annual Green-White game

By Andrew Stevens
Published in Sports on November 5, 2009 1:46 PM

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MOUNT OLIVE -- Kendrick Easley and Mike Holloman fueled a second-half comeback as the Green squad defeated the White 48-36 in their annual men's basketball scrimmage at Mount Olive College on Wednesday evening.

Easley, a preseason All-American selection, and Holloman combined for 19 points in the second half. The Green outscored the White 32-14 during the second 15-minute session at Kornegay Arena.

Easley scored 16 points, while Holloman chipped in 14.

"They are our two go guys," said second-year Trojans head coach Joey Higginbotham. "Where they go is where we're going to go. Those two are our sparks, they're our seniors and we're definitely excited about those two."

Eric Williams' layup sparked an 11-2 run as the Green squad rallied from a 22-16 halftime deficit. Jonathan Brinson scored eight straight points to end the run and put the Green team ahead 29-28.

Derek Staton's jumper pulled the White within 38-36 with less than minutes to play. The Green team answered with a 10-0 run, capped by Holloman's thunderous two-handed dunk.

"All in all I'm pleased with the effort," said Higginbotham. "We've got some work to do. The freshman did some good things. I don't like turnovers and we've got to rebound the ball a little better.

Offensively, I thought we moved the ball well and got some pretty good spacing."

Adorned in a white tank top and head band with a painted chest and face while positioned among the student section, Higginbotham watched the White pull away before halftime.

Craig Hayes contributed a pair of baskets and Caleb Henderson and Deshaune Green both scored to give the White a 25-15 lead. Hayes finished with a team-high eight points and Staton and Green both added six.

Mount Olive opens its season on Nov. 16 at Lenoir-Rhyne.

The Trojans, the reigning Conference Carolinas co-regular-season champions, open the home portion of their season Nov. 20-21 in the 44th annual Pickle Classic. Included in the four-team field are previous national champions Virginia Union (2005) and Barton (2007), and in-state member Mars Hill.

Tickets are on sale for the two-day event at Kornegay Arena.