Front Royal, VA – The Regent University Men's Basketball team was anxious to get back on the court for their rematch with Christendom College on Thursday night. Monday night's game was close the entire way with the Royals falling by four points in the final seconds. They were looking to get capitalize on their performance and, this time, come away with the win.
The Crusaders got on the board in the first half with two three-pointers to grab the early lead, but Freshman Marion Brown (Chesapeake, VA) and Junior Joakim Marie-Joseph (Saint Martin) made back-to-back baskets to pull Regent to within 6-4. Two free throws by Sophomore Darrin Clark (Suffolk, VA) tied the game, but after some back and forth, Christendom regained the advantage, 12-8. Unfortunately, over the next few minutes, the Royals were unable to score and fell behind by double digits. However, the drought would end after a driving layup by Clark pulling Regent to within eight points, and then a basket by Freshman Kristofer Norman (Norfolk, VA) pulled the Royals to within 23-17. The scoring continued as Marie-Jospeh established position down low for the score, forcing a timeout. The advantage was cut to two points on a driving layup by Clark, but the Crusaders answered with a layup of their own, which was followed by a three-pointer. Eventually, as the half came to an end, Regent trailed by 11 points, 39-28.
The second half did not start off the way the Royals had wanted, as they fell behind by 18 points. However, Junior Chaz Moody (Chesapeake, VA) got the scoring going for Regent with a three-pointer from the top of the key and eventually Freshman Micah Eastman (Virginia Beach, VA) added points with a strong drive to the basket. Unfortunately, Christendom would drain a three-pointer of their own and the Royals found themselves down by 20 points. They would continue to push, as Moody made another three-pointer, and then a few minutes later Junior Matthew Mealy (Chesapeake, VA) fought his way through traffic for another two points. Unfortunately, as the final buzzer sounded, Regent fell by a final score of 82-55
Clark led the team with 11 points, while Marie-Joseph grabbed 9 rebounds. The Royals will be back in action Friday, January 19th, as they travel to Salem, VA to face Roanoke College. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00pm.
