Higginbotham wants to see 40 complete minutes from his team

By Justin Hayes
Published in Sports on January 13, 2016 1:48 PM

• Print
• Email

jhayes@newsargus.com

MOUNT OLIVE -- 3,946 miles.

That is the rough equivalent of 14 visits to the nation's capital. It's also nearly two round-trip passages to the Superdome in New Orleans and one Donner Party-like junket to the Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport just outside Juneau, Alaska.

And since December 2015, it is the approximate distance traveled by the University of Mount Olive men's basketball team.

Over the last month, the Trojans (9-5 overall, 4-2 Conference Carolinas) have competed in four states, throttled defending national champion Florida Southern and bounced back to defeat a quality North Greenville team on January 9 -- within 24 hours of posting a losing effort at Limestone College.

So, what do their frequent travel points earn them?

According to head coach Joey Higginbotham, only an opportunity to increase their efficiency against familiar foe -- Emmanuel (Ga.) College -- a squad they turned back 11 days ago, 72-69.

"We're struggling right now with putting together a complete 40-minute game,' he said, "and (the road swing) definitely opened our eyes ... in conference, you have to be at your best, or you can get knocked off by anybody."

Enter Dontrell Brite.

The 5-foot-9 senior -- the reigning Carolinas Conference Player-of-the-Year -- was missing only his cape during the team's elongated bus tour of the south. He averaged 19.5 points, 6 rebounds and 4.2 assists over the six-game stretch.

"He's a special player... and can affect the game in a positive way by finding teammates," Higginbotham said. "He's shooting the ball well right now, and we have to use that to our advantage."

In addition to Brite's consistency, the Trojans will seek to put together a fluid start -- an element notably absent in their first meeting versus a lineup Higginbotham contends is among the most athletic in the Carolinas Conference.

"They're (Emmanuel) good; they really get down the floor and they rebound the ball," Higginbotham said. "We were standing and watching, out of it... And if we do that again, we'll struggle."

Indeed.

Uninspired from the outset, the Trojans trailed by 12 points midway through the first half, and 40-23 at the break. Emmanuel, which features a balanced offensive attack, received scoring contributions from nine players. They were led by Elijah Robinson, who logged 15 points, 11 rebounds and four assists on the night.

"We weren't ready for the first twenty minutes," Higginbotham said, "but something clicked at halftime. We were very fortunate to come out of there with a win."

The Trojans used a 12-4 scoring burst to open the second half -- aided by eight consecutive defensive stops -- and ultimately earned a hard fought, three point victory. It was a defining moment in the Trojans' road trip, but not necessarily one Higginbotham is eager to recreate.

"We have to collectively guard and not leave guys on islands," he said. "If we can do that, we'll feel confident about the result."

Tip off is at 7:30 p.m..