BREVARD, N.C. - The Brevard College Tornados men's basketball team, in conjunction with The Jimmy Griffin Foundation and the American Heart Association's Heart Health Awareness Month, are set to host its sixth annual "Red Out" game in memory and support of Jimmy Griffin's legacy.
Students, fans, faculty, and staff are encouraged to wear the color red to "Red Out" the Boshamer Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon to honor the legacy of Jimmy Griffin as the Tornados host William Peace University.
Griffin played under current Brevard Head Coach Lee Burgess during his time as an Assistant Coach at Samford University. Griffin passed away in his sleep in September of 2009 from an undetected heart condition. His death shocked the Samford community and left a lasting impact on Coach Burgess.
In 2010, Burgess took part in the first "Red Out" game at Samford, as the Bulldogs hosted Elon. Samford raised $2,200 for the American Heart Association and played in front of the second-largest crowd in program history.
The Griffin Family is determined that Jimmy's life and legacy will never be forgotten. Therefore, they have set up The Jimmy Griffin Legacy Foundation, which has benefited and will continue to benefit places Jimmy loved including St. Bede Church and School, Marist High School, Mother McAuley High School, and Samford University. The foundation also benefits the American Heart Association. To learn more about the Jimmy Griffin Legacy Foundation, please click here.
Brevard (5-14, 4-8 USAS) matches up with the Pacers of William Peace (7-11, 5-5 USAS) after a thrilling 67-63 victory over Maryville College last Tuesday at the Boshamer Gymnasium.
With Brevard trailing 63-62 with 1:08 left to play, junior forward Cannon Lamb hit a 3-point jump shot at the top of the key to give the Tornados a 65-63 lead. On Maryville's last possession of the contest, senior guard Demari Hopper broke up a Maryville pass to seal BC's victory.
Tuesday evening's game was part of the "Black Out for Black Mamba" tribute in memory of NBA legend Kobe Bryant at the women's and men's basketball doubleheader at Brevard College. Bryant and the other victims of a tragic accident in California were remembered with a moment of silence before each game and by the BC Basketball community wearing the color black.
Senior guard Qadhafi Turner led the way for four Tornado double-digit scorers on the evening. The Wilmington, N.C. native scored a season-high 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including a 4-of-6 mark from long distance. Turner hauled down a team-high seven boards while racking up a game-best four steals.
Senior forward Levi Lamb added 13 points while Hopper scored 10 points, grabbed five rebounds, and swiped three steals. Noah Lea led all bench players with 10 points in just 11 minutes of action, while Hayden Cassellsparked the defense with three steals.
The Tornados have been victorious in two out of their last three contests. William Peace comes into Saturday's matchup after consecutive defeats to USA South East Division opponents NC Wesleyan and Averett. The Pacers' last victory game on January 18 against Covenant College.
Following Saturday's matchup, the Tornados hit the road to face Piedmont College in Demorest, Georgia on Wednesday, February 5 at 7 p.m. before returning to the Bosh to close out the season with three-of-four contests at home. BC will host LaGrange College on Saturday, February 8 in a 2 p.m. tip-off that will serve as Team Impact Night.
To follow the latest news and updates surrounding Brevard College Athletics, follow the Tornados on Twitter and Instagram @bctornados, subscribe to 'Brevard College Tornados' on YouTube, follow 'Brevard College Tornados' on SoundCloud, or like 'Brevard College Athletics' on Facebook. In addition, follow "brevardcollege" on Flickr for the latest photos from all Brevard College events.
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