Bucs Take Down Gordon State in Season Opener

Shelton State Wins Season Opener

TUSCALOOSA – The Shelton State men's basketball team opened the season with a thrilling 72-70 victory over Gordon State on the first day of the Southland International Veterans Day Classic at the Umphrey Center.

In a game that featured 13 lead changes and nine ties, Shelton State took the lead for good on Troy Dunn's lay-up with 3:03 left in the game to put the Bucs in front 71-68. Gordon State answered with a dunk from Malachi Stevens with 1:03 left to cut the lead to 71-70.

Shelton State missed a pair of free throws, giving Gordon State a chance to take the lead. Stevens missed a three-point and Nazir Griffin pulled down the rebound. Griffin made one of two free throws and the Highlanders last-second heave from three-quarter court ended the game.

Griffin paced the Bucs with 13 points in the opener. He made five of 10 field goals, including two three-pointers. He also added five assists, five steals and three rebounds.

The Bucs placed five other players in double figures, including Troy Dunn (12), Tramarian Huguley (11), Darius Brant (11), Kuron Coleman (10) and Hasani Rivera (10),

Shelton State (1-0) shot 54.3 percent (31-for-58) from the field in the season opener. The Bucs shot 60 percent from the floor in the first half to build a 40-30 halftime lead.

In other games, Gadsden State defeated South Georgia Tech 82-75. Giovanni Nannucci led the Cardinals with 18 points. East Georgia State defeated Lawson State 85-84. Jalen Gallman paced the Bobcats with 21 points in the win.

Shelton State will face East Georgia State on Thursday at 7 p.m.  Lawson State and South Georgia Tech will play at 3 p.m., while Gadsden State and Gordon State will play at 5 p.m.