PEMBROKE – Visiting Athletes in Action shot a blistering 16-of-33 from long range en route to handing the UNCP men's basketball team a 100-82 loss in exhibition play on Thursday evening at the English E. Jones Center in Pembroke.
The Braves were limited to just 21.4 percent in the same category (3-of-14) despite going a strong 19-of-26 (73.1 percent) from the foul line and out-rebounding their opponent by a 42-to-24 margin. Athletes in Action committed just 10 turnovers compared to 16 by UNCP with both squads nearly matching numbers on points in the paint (36-to-38).
UNCP was led by junior K.J. Cooper, who finished the ballgame 7-for-10 from the field, including 1-of-2 from downtown in registering 18 points. He also led the team with seven assists (one turnover) and tied for second on the squad with six rebounds.
George Blakeney grabbed a game-high 15 rebounds and notched 15 points on 5-of-9 shooting to finish with a double-double in 24 minutes of action. Shahmel Brackett finished 5-of-14 from the floor to record 14 points while Mike Robinson added 12 points and six rebounds on a 4-of-12 shooting effort.
UNCP will officially open its season on November 11 when it hosts St. Andrews during the first day of the UNCP Holiday Classic at 6 p.m.
