The USC Salkehatchie Indians came out flat in the first half against Spartanburg Methodist in their Region X match-up tonight in Walterboro, South Carolina. The Pioneers jumped out to a 20-7 lead 11:06 into the game and before the Indians knew what was happening, they were behind 30-17 with 3:28 left in the first half.
USC Salkehatchie head coach Travis Garrett said, " We have to play better defense, we can't allow teams the opportunity to make easy baskets. We have to bring a higher energy level over all, we have to be ready to play the big games."
The Indians trailed by as many as 14-points in the first half and the score at half-time was Spartanburg Methodist 36, USC Salkehatchie 26.
As soon as the second half started, you could tell the Indians weren't out of the contest.
"I told them at half-time we had to come out and play with passion, teams aren't going to roll over and die just because they are playing USC Salkehatchie. I knew we have to come out and play with energy and mix up more man zone in the second half if we were going to pull it out."
The Indians took their first lead of the game with 12:55 left in the second half 42-41, they would never look back.
As the extended their lead, the Indians defense came alive forcing turnover after turnover until they had built an 12 point lead with 1:53 left in the game.
The Indians would hold on to defeat Spartanburg Methodist 73-61. The loss drops Spartanburg Methodist to 12-6 and 2-1 in Region X.
USC Salkehatchie is now 10-12 over-all and 4-1 in Region X.
Leading the Indians:
Darnell Jackson~7
Xavier Mayfield~13
Donny James~7
Brandon Riley~23
Mari Konate~11
DeAndre Blackmon~7
The Indians will be back in action next Wednesday night against Clinton Junior College in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
