WINTER PARK, Fla. -
Junior guard Myk Brown led a potent Tars' offense with 16 points
and a perfect 7-of-7 from the charity stripe in a decisive, 92-57
victory over Puerto Rico-Mayaguez in a non-conference showdown,
Wednesday evening at Warden Arena.
Brown, a native of Gainesville, Fla., finished with a career-high
eight rebounds and his 16 points improving the Tars record to 2-0
on the season.
Junior preseason All-American Nick Wolf chipped in with 14
points to record his 45th career double-figure scoring effort. He
completed his all-around performance with six assists and seven
rebounds. Rounding out the scorers in double-digits was junior Matt
Robertson with 11. Robertson also tied Brown in rebounds with
eight.
The Tars controlled the game, shooting 48.5 percent from the field
and held a Puerto Rico-Mayaguez squad, who shot 52 percent against
Florida Tech on Monday to just 34.5 percent, Saturday.
Rollins forced 22 Mayaguez turnovers after and collected 15 steals,
three from Matt Robertson and Brock
Blanchard.
The Tars out-performed the Tarzans in nearly every offensive
category. Rollins out-scored Mayaguez in the paint 48-20 and
out-rebounded the Tarzans, 48-32.
Wolf opened the game on a three-pointer on a Brown assist, but was
equalized on the ensuing possession by a 3-pointer from Mayaguez's
Johnny Batista. It marked the lone tie of the game as the Tars
scored the next six points.
Leading 16-10, Rollins continued to build a steady lead by
increasing the margin to 15 after going on a 11-2 run, which was
culminated by a Blanchard lay-in. After gaining a 44-23 first half
lead, the Tars closed out the frame on 9-3 run to take its largest
lead in the period.
The Tars added to its lead in the second half with a 13-3 run that
started on a Brown 3-pointer to open the frame. Rollins reached a
game-high 40-point lead on three occasions to hold a comfortable
advantage before securing the 35-point victory.
For Mayaguez, Guillermo Molano was the team-high in points as he
registered a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Ivan
Negron followed with 13 points. The Tarzans also suffered at the
free throw line shooting just 57.1 percent (12-for-21).
Rollins bench provided significant numbers as it out-scored
Mayaguez, 37-12. Blanchard and Ian Scott paced the reserves
with nine points each as Ryan Ferranti trailed with
seven.
The Tars return to action, Thursday, Nov. 19 when they host Puerto
Rico-Piedras at 7 p.m. at Warden Arena.
