Senior Gerren Jones poured in 28 points as the Ferrum College’s men’s basketball team put together one of its most complete performances of the season Saturday, defeating Shorter University 99-79 in a Conference Carolinas matchup at Swartz Gymnasium.
The Panthers (13-8 overall, 11-4 CC) came out with energy from the opening tip and used sharp shooting, ball movement, and steady defense to pull away early. Ferrum honored five seniors before the game, and the home crowd responded as the Panthers controlled the tempo throughout. Seniors honored were: Sterling Charles, Abdulh Diaby, Alfredo Abel-Rivera, Gerren Jones, and Eden Davis.
Ferrum wasted little time taking charge. A three-pointer by Eden Davis opened the scoring and sparked an early run that helped the Panthers jump out to a 16-4 lead. Shorter (7-14, 5-9 CC) struggled to slow Ferrum’s offense, which mixed inside scoring with perimeter shots to stretch the margin.
By the midway point of the first half, Ferrum had built a double-digit lead. MJ Winstead added a layup during an intense stretch for the Panthers, and Jones followed with a jumper and a three-point play late in the half. Ferrum headed into halftime with a commanding 61-35 advantage, its highest-scoring first half of the season.
Shorter showed more fight in the second half, trimming the lead with a brief run that cut the deficit to 69-53. Ferrum answered quickly, however, as Jones scored inside, and Winstead continued to create opportunities for teammates. The Panthers kept Shorter at arm’s length and never allowed the visitors to threaten seriously.
Ferrum’s balanced attack proved too much. Jones’ 28 points continued his intense stretch of play in CC action. Abdulh Diaby added 16 points, while Alfredo Abel-Rivera also scored 16. Winstead finished with 16 points and 11 assists, recording a double-double and setting the tone offensively. Davis chipped in 12 points as five Panthers reached double figures.
Shorter was led by Ja’Myas Davis, who scored 19 points. Donovan Shangase added 17, and Chris Bibbs finished with 14, but the Hawks were unable to match Ferrum’s depth and pace.
Ferrum head coach Patrick Corrigan credited his team’s execution and focus, noting the Panthers shared the ball well and stayed aggressive on both ends of the floor.
Ferrum will remain at home tomorrow night for another Conference Carolinas contest against UNC Pembroke, with tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m. at Swartz Gymnasium.
