Hunt blows by Goldsboro in 2nd half

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on December 18, 2013 1:48 PM

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rhanchett@newsargus.com

Goldsboro shot the ball effectively and controlled the pace of play in the first half.

The Cougars went cold in the second half and Wilson Hunt took advantage in a 78-64, non-conference victory at Norvell T. Lee Gymnasium on Tuesday night.

"The outside shot is a big part of our game," Goldsboro head coach Russell Stephens said. "We made a few early and found a little rhythm, but in the second half those shots stopped going in and we weren't able to get to the basket like we normally do."

The teams battled through a back-and-forth first quarter that was played primarily at the Cougars' deliberate pace. Goldsboro led 16-14 after eight minutes and extended the lead to three points at the intermission.

Hunt netted the first two baskets of the third quarter and jumped ahead 36-35. Goldsboro responded and retook the lead on a jumper by Myron Carmon and momentarily stemmed the tide.

The Warriors grabbed the lead for good with an 8-0 run midway through the period.

"I thought we battled on the glass despite being the smaller team," Stephens said. "But in that third quarter (Hunt) was able to use its size and get a few putbacks and extend some possessions."

Hunt built a 12-point lead with three minutes to play before Carmon scored five points in a 20-second span to pull the Cougars back into contention. The Warriors iced the game with five free throws and a pair of layups in the final minute.

Justin Jefferson paced the Warriors with 20 points. Jaylen Gilliam and Quan Kent each added 16.

Carmon finished as Goldsboro's leading scorer with 21 points. Joseph Baker added 15 points and nine rebounds off the bench.

"Joe Baker was excellent for us tonight," Stephens said. "He played well on both ends of the floor and he rebounded the basketball."

Goldsboro (5-3 overall) travels to Southern Wayne on Friday.