Joseph Marvin: Assistant Sports Information Director
MARYVILLE, Tenn. - Sophomore forward Cannon Lamb put up a new career-high scoring output of 19 points in reserve action for Brevard, however, the Brevard College Tornados Men's Basketball team (5-14, 2-10 USAS) fell in conference play to the defending USA South Tournament Champion Maryville Scots (13-6, 9-3 USAS) 56-46 in a low-scoring affair at the Boydson Baird Gymnasium in Maryville, Tennessee.
Cannon Lamb, a native of Marion, N.C., shot an efficient 7-of-10 (70%) from the field to go along with an immaculate 4-of-4 from 3-point distance. Cannon Lamb rounded out his near double-double performance by grabbing eight boards. He passed his previous career mark of 17 points, which was set in his freshman season (2017-18) against William Peace (Jan. 20, 2018) and LaGrange (Jan. 27, 2018).
BC's 2018-19 leading scorer Levi Lamb had a relatively quiet night compared to his season averages, tacking up nine points and nine rebounds in another Tornado near double-double performance. Sophomore guard Demari Hopper added eight points, four rebounds, and two assists.
Maryville was led offensively by Calvin Songster (13 points) and Dante Hoppa (10 points). Forward Nick Clifton controlled the glass all night, tallying a game-high 10 rebounds. Forward Emier Bowman recorded a game-high five steals, causing disruption for Brevard for the entire contest.
Both sides shot evenly throughout the contest, with Brevard holding a slight edge by shooting 37% (17-of-46) compared to Maryville's 35.1% (20-of-57). The Tornados shot a tick better from distance, knocking in 35% (7-of-20), while the Scots shot 30% (6-of-20) from beyond the arc.
BC's bench outscored Maryville 23-16 to propel the Tornados.
Maryville held rebounding (40-36) and assist (12-9) advantages, however, the biggest difference was in the turnover category where Brevard's 17 turnovers committed led to 13 Maryville steals. The Scots' 13 steals dwarfed Brevard's three on the night, as the Tornados uncharacteristically couldn't manage to swipe their usual high number of takeaways.
The Tornados got off to a very solid start, holding the Maryville offense in check for most of the first half. Levi Lamb drained a pair of 3-pointers to open up things for Brevard, as the Tornados held a 6-2 advantage early.
Brevard's lead was regained 12-10 after a Cannon Lamb long-range shot with 9:47 left in the first half. This lead held in favor of the Tornados until 2:48 left in the first half, as the Scots embarked on a quick 10-0 run to take a 28-20 lead into the half.
Levi Lamb and Cannon Lamb both led all scorers at the intermission with eight points apiece.
Both sides scratched and clawed in the second half, with Maryville leading by as many as 14 at one point. A Hopper 3-pointer cut Maryville's lead to just five at one point, however afterwards the Tornados were unable to draw closer than nine points. The Scots were able to escape with a 10-point, 56-46 home victory over the Tornados.
The Tornados return home to the Boshamer Gymnasium on Wednesday, January 30 for a rematch with the Berea College Mountaineers (9-9, 4-7 USAS) at 7 p.m. Brevard and Berea back on January 16, with the Mountaineers claiming a 67-53 decision in Berea, Ky.
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