Pirates Win PBC Opener, 96-88, At UNC Pembroke

PEMBROKE, N.C. - The Armstrong Atlantic State men's basketball team picked up a 96-88 victory over host UNC Pembroke on Tuesday evening in the Peach Belt Conference opener for both squads.

The Pirates (4-0, 1-0 PBC) led 38-33 at halftime, then opened up the second half on a 12-2 run in the first three and a half minutes to open up a 14-point lead, 50-36, and hold on for the victory. AASU shot 51.6 percent from the floor, hitting 32-of-62 shots, and hit 24-of-37 free throws on the night. UNC Pembroke (1-4, 0-1 PBC) hit 45.6 percent from the floor, making 31-of-68 shots, but made just 5-of-21 shots from three-point range (23.8 percent).

Senior T.T. Hall hit 8-of-13 shots from the floor, including 6-of-10 three-pointers and 9-of-10 free throws, for a career-high 31 points to lead all scorers for the Pirates. Senior Calvin Wilson added 18 points, nine rebounds and three steals, while junior Dwight Tolbert collected 14 points and senior Uriah Hethington added 13 points.

UNC Pembroke was led by Brandon Thomas' 22 points and game-high 10 rebounds, while Marcus Heath added 16 points, David Moore chipped in 14 points and Demarcus Lyday collected 13 points.

The Pirates return to action on Saturday, December 6, when AASU hosts preseason PBC favorite and No. 2-ranked USC Aiken at 4:00 p.m. at Alumni Arena.