Higginbotham hopes UMO's current troubles are solved

By Justin Hayes
Published in Sports on January 22, 2016 1:48 PM

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jhayes@newsargus.com

MOUNT OLIVE -- Following his team's surprising home loss to Emmanuel (Ga.) College nine days ago -- in which it squandered a cozy 13-point second half advantage -- University of Mount Olive men's head coach Joey Higginbotham had a simple directive for his players.

Stop enjoying your reflection in the trophy case.

This year's Trojan lineup -- which features five members averaging a minimum of 19 minutes per contest -- had become trapped in a cycle of uninspired basketball. They capsized quickly that night amid a wave of turnovers, blown defensive assignments and ill-advised long jumpshots.

The setback was their first of two straight home losses -- not exactly the desired beginning to the new year.

"We need(ed) to come together," Higginbotham said, "and fight together. Compete together. Practice daily... and stop living in the past."

What had to happen?

Individual accountability. Fundamental concepts. Mental toughness.

In short, the experience and moxie of a group responsible for a combined 272 starts in a Mount Olive uniform had to respond.

This past Tuesday, in a matchup with conference stalwart King (Tenn.) University, the Trojans looked the part of themselves -- a sight very much welcomed by Higginbotham.

Dontrell Brite helped dispatch the Tornado by logging 21 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. The reigning Carolinas Conference Player-of-the-Year directed the Trojans to 27 points in the game's opening 10 minutes -- a mark they had not eclipsed since December 1 of last year.

The Trojans used that momentum, along with a versatile effort from senior guard Jaquan Blount (17 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists), to meet Higginbotham's demand for a comprehensive 40-minute effort.

Mission accomplished.

For the game, Mount Olive (10-7 overall, 5-4 CC) made an eye-popping 15 three-point baskets, snared 38 team rebounds and scored an impressive 39 bench points.

But will it continue?

For most collegiate basketball teams, mid-season oddities usually speak to deeply-rooted flaws, not potential conference titles. But upon occasion, they can be the spark necessary to making a loud postseason run.

And if Higginbotham's team wishes to make said noise, its most recent effort must now represent something more than a statistical outlier.

It must be UMO's new -- yet previously defined -- standard.

Weather permitting, the Trojans travel to Southern Wesleyan on Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m.