Men’s Basketball Hits the Road for USA South Conference Opener at William Peace

Men’s Basketball Hits the Road for USA South Conference Opener at William Peace

Joseph Marvin: Assistant Sports Information Director

Photo Credit: Thomas Kennedy ('21)

RALEIGH, N.C. – The Brevard College Tornados Men's Basketball team (3-3) are on the road Saturday to face the William Peace Pacers (3-3, 1-0 USAS) in Brevard's first conference contest of 2018-19.

The Tornados are coming off back-to-back wins for the first time since the 2014-15 season, downing Bob Jones and Toccoa Falls in home contests.

BC defeated Bob Jones 74-61 behind a 20-point outing from freshman forward Noah Lea. Lea shot 8-of-11 from the field, which included 4-of-5 from long range. Lea also grabbed six boards in the contest, as the Tornados forced 21 Bob Jones turnovers which translated to 24 points off turnovers. BC's bench outscored BJU's by a 34-2 margin in the contest.

Brevard used a well-balanced attack to fend off Toccoa Falls Eagles last Wednesday. Four Tornados scored in double figures, as BC shot a season-high 54.9% from the field despite being held to 20% from long distance.

Demari Hopper led the way for Brevard's offense with 14 points on an efficient 6-of-7 shooting. Hopper has proved to be an efficient scorer throughout the young 2018-19 season, as his 64.7% field goal percentage and 54.5% clip from 3-point range both rank fourth individually in the USA South Conference.

Brevard has caused havoc on the defensive side of the ball thus far in the season. The Tornados average 9.8 steals-per-game, which is good enough for third in the league. Junior guard Qadhafi Turner's 2.5 steals-per-game ranks fourth in the USA South Conference.

The defense will be a focal point as the Tornados travel to Wiliam Peace. The Pacers currently rank third in the USA South in points-per-game (80.7). BC brings its' second-ranked scoring defense, as the Tornados have only given up 70 points-per-game thus far in 2018-19.

After its contest with the Pacers, the Tornados return home to the Boshamer Gymnasium to face Averett University on Friday, December 7 at 7:30 p.m. before embarking on a season-long five-game road trip.

To follow along with all the latest news and updates surrounding Brevard College Athletics, please follow the Tornados on Twitter and Instagram @bctornados, or like Brevard College Athletics on Facebook.

-30-