THOMASVILLE, Ga. – The Thomas University men’s basketball overcame a huge hurdle Saturday afternoon, keeping Faulkner at bay in the second half as TU’s overall team play led to the Night Hawks’ first win over the Eagles 70-61 at TU Gymnasium.

The Night Hawks (7-8, 1-4 SUN) went toe-to-toe with Faulkner (9-3, 1-1 SSAC), shooting 42.1% from the floor overall that was primarily highlighted by the team’s conversion rate from inside the arc (54.5%). Both sides struggled from long range, as the Eagles shot just over 26% compared to the Night Hawks’ 25%. 

Thomas benefitted from a sizable difference in free-throw attempts, as TU was 16-for-23 (69.6%) from the charity stripe versus Faulkner’s rate, only knocking down 4-of-8 (50%) shots. The Night Hawks evened the rebound count for the first time this season, splitting 35 boards apiece with the Eagles.

TU had eight different players register points. After missing the entire previous week, fifth-year forward DeSean Enzor returned to the court to lead the Night Hawks with 13 points, shooting 62.5% from the field.  Senior guards Tim Williamson and Trint Bryant each posted posted 12 points with five boards and shot 50% from the floor.

A 9-0 scoring run that gave the Night Hawks their first lead of the day (9-6) at the 14:48 mark.

The Eagles responded with a 12-4 run that was topped off with a Jeremy Jordan dunk. TU answered back with a 10-2 scoring run, capped off by senior guard Toriano Lewis’ 3 pointer. Jordan Booker’s go-ahead layup gave the Night Hawks a 32-30 lead heading into the locker room.

With the game tied 42-42 with 14:19 remaining, the Night Hawks nearly experienced deja vu from the teams’ earlier meeting in Montgomery, Ala., as Faulkner scored seven unanswered points to give the Eagles their largest lead of the contest. TU battled back to tie the game at 50-50 before a free-throw from Bryant retook the lead for the Night Hawks 51-50 at the 8:24 mark.

Bryant’s steal and dunk with 4:45 remaining in the game and Lewis’ following 3 extended the lead to six.  Thomas iced the contest with five free throws.

Thomas is back in action Friday, traveling up Highway 19 for an exhibition showdown against NCAA DII Albany State. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

For up-to-date information on games and other TU Athletics, visit http://www.TUNightHawks.com. Stay up-to-date on TU men’s basketball team by following them via Twitter at @NightHawksMBKB.