Builders Come Up Short Against Stratford

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - The Apprentice School men's basketball fell short 76-73 against Stratford University in the MLK Classsic on Saturday afternoon.

ON THE COURT: Stratford University shot 43% from the floor in the first half to take a six-point lead at the break. The Builders shot 33% from the floor but forced six turnovers which led to seven points to stay within a couple possessions. The Cardinals outrebounded the Builders 31-19 in the first stanza. Corey Joyner led the Builders with 11 points while Drew Walton added 10. In the second half, the Builders stayed within a couple possessions of the Cardinals. With Stratford leading by five with less than seven minutes remaining, a layup by Marion Moore and a pair of free throws by Drew Walton brought the Builders within one. Bryant Fuller hit a layup to give the Builders their first lead since the early parts of the game. Stratford immediately retook the lead on a DeAndre Demiel three to go ahead 67-65 with five minutes left to play. Stratford pushed their lead to six before a three by Corey Joyner cut the deficit to three with 47 seconds remaining. The Builders fouled and Stratford converted both free throws for a five point lead. Corey Joyner sunk a three while falling to cut the lead to two with 24 seconds. Stratford missed the front end of an one-and-one opportunity and the Builders had a chance to either tie or take the lead. Corey Joyner missed a three pointer but Brandon Joyner got the offensive board and was fouled shooting a three. Missed opportunities at the free-throw line and a desperation three at the buzzer fell short for the Builders.

BEHIND THE BOX SCORE:

• Drew Walton led the Builders with 21 points and 11 rebounds.
• Corey Joyner added 19 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists.
• Marion Moore contributed 14 points and added six rebounds.
• The Builders were outrebounded 48-36 but converted 11 turnovers into 15 points.

The Builders conclude the MLK Classic with a 4 p.m. tip off against Thomas Nelson Community College. The Gators defeated Carolina Christian 84-65 on Saturday afternoon.