Five in Double Figures Power Greyhounds Past SAU Tech, 99–89
West Memphis, ARK - Five players scored in double figures as ASU Mid-South controlled the flow of the game and pulled away late to defeat SAU Tech 99–89 on Wednesday night, earning a key conference win in a back-and-forth, high-energy contest.
The game began in unusual fashion, as ASU Mid-South was assessed an administrative technical foul before the opening tip due to a malfunctioning shot clock. SAU Tech capitalized with a free throw to take a quick 1–0 lead, but the Greyhounds quickly shrugged off the moment and settled into their rhythm.
Both teams exchanged runs throughout the first half, trading baskets in a fast-paced offensive showcase. ASU Mid-South's ability to dictate tempo proved pivotal, as the Greyhounds maintained control and carried a five-point lead into the halftime break.
The offensive fireworks continued coming out of the locker room, with neither team missing early in the second half. After several possessions of back-and-forth scoring, ASU Mid-South called a timeout to make defensive adjustments. The change paid immediate dividends, as the Greyhounds strung together multiple stops and converted on the other end to regain momentum.
ASU Mid-South eventually built its largest lead of the night at 16 points with just over two minutes remaining. From there, the Greyhounds managed the clock, taking the air out of the ball and closing out the game to secure the 10-point victory.
"I thought we did a pretty good job about controlling what we could control," said ASU Mid-South head coach Cody Hastings. "Our guys trusted each other, made the right play and shared the basketball. They forced a couple turnovers in their press late when we got lazy, but we have things we need to fix defensively. Overall, super proud of our guys. SAU Tech is never an easy opponent. They play hard. They never give up. Very well coached team."
SAU Tech was led by a dominant all-around performance from J'Bari Adams, who finished with 18 points and 18 rebounds. Ja'Varius Thompson added 17 points, while Cam Bryant (12 points) and Debrion Broomfield (11 points) provided a spark off the bench for the Rockets.
ASU Mid-South was paced by Phillip Tillman, who delivered a standout performance with 28 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Dejavius Johnson posted a career-high 16 points, while Randy Emerson added 15 points off the bench and contributed four steals. Michael Stewart chipped in 12 points off the bench, and Taylor Conner scored 13 points, delivering several key buckets down the stretch. Hugh McFarland finished with eight points and seven assists, while Jaxson Yancy added seven points and eight rebounds.
The win improves ASU Mid-South to 10–5 overall and 3–1 in conference play.
The Greyhounds will hit the road on Saturday, January 10, traveling to Little Rock, Arkansas, for a 1:00 p.m. tip-off against Shorter College.
