North Alabama downs Martin Methodist 80-68

Published

FLORENCE, Ala. (AP) — Kendarius Smith and Jamari Blackmon scored 19 points apiece and North Alabama beat NAIA-member Martin Methodist 80-68 on Tuesday night.

Christian Agnew added 18 points for the Lions (2-3), who shot 42 percent, scored 25 points off of 20 forced turnovers and netted 16 points on fast breaks.

Trailing by 15 at halftime, the RedHawks closed to 38-36 on Adrian Smith's layup early in the second half, but Blackmon scored six points in a 7-0 run and the Lions pulled ahead by 18 points with 9:06 to go. The RedHawks closed to 66-57 on Dwayne Ward's layup with 3:34 left, but got no closer.

Blackmon's 3 amid a 20-2 run put the Lions up for good, 9-6, and they led 36-21 at halftime.

Ward and Javonte Cooper scored 14 points apiece, Jordan Olison added 12 and Mason Malcanee 10 for Martin Methodist.