Elizabeth City, NC – After a dominant win on Friday night in the first day of the EMAC/NSAC Challenge, the Apprentice Men's Basketball team returned to action Saturday afternoon as they faced Thomas Nelson Community College. Day 2 of the Challenge featured the two schools, who are only separated by a few miles. The Gators were coming off a big win over Mid-Atlantic Christian and both teams were trying to complete the challenge undefeated. It would be a match-up of the TNCC defense and the high scoring Builders offense.
The Gators jumped out quickly to a 18-8 lead with a strong defensive effort, not allowing Apprentice a chance to get set up in their offense. A free throw from Caleb Mielewski cut the lead to 18-9, but TNCC would answer back with another basket to increase the lead to 20-9. Unfortunately, the shots were not falling and at the 4:40 mark of the first half, Apprentice found themselves trailing by a score of 24-10. A 3-pointer by Verhawn Eley cut into the Gators lead to 28-15 and as the half was coming to an end, Tony Epps, Jr drained a 3-pointer from the top of the key at the buzzer, trimming the lead to single digits, 28-20.
The Builders came out of the locker room and stepped up their defense, not allowing TNCC an opportunity to increase their lead. However, offensively they were not able to capitalize, and the Gators settled down, going up 32-20. A layup from Marion Moore pulled Apprentice to within 9 points, however, the Gators would answer with a drive in the paint to go back up by 11, 35-24. With 9:36 left in the game Sr. Corey Joyner was fouled on his way to the basket and converted 2 free throws to pull within 47-38. On the next possession a steal by Caleb Mielewski resulted in a transition basket from Marion Moore, which cut the TNCC lead to 6 points. The Builders would pull within 4 points after a fastbreak dunk by Vershawn Eley. With 1:27 left in the game, Avin Hawkins drained a 3-pointer from the corner to cut the leas to 65-62. However, a dead ball technical foul on Apprentice's Caleb Mielewski allowed TNCC to take a 5-point lead, 67-62 and they would ultimately come out on top 69-65.
The Builders were led on the day by Marion Moore with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Vershawn Eley added 12 points, 5 rebounds and 1 blocked shot. Avin Hawkins and Corey Joyner each chipped in with 10 points apiece. Apprentice will have a day off before returning to action on Monday when they welcome in Blue Lights College for their home opener. Tip-off is schedule for 7:00pm and ticket can be purchased online at https://gobuilders.com/ticketing