Johnson C. Smith men’s basketball recovers from blowing 21-point lead

J.C Smith mastered a near-disaster in the Tip-Off Classic.

The Golden Bulls blew a 21-point lead in the second half but rallied to beat Benedict 81-78 Saturday at Brayboy Gym, J.C. Smith’s fourth straight win. After taking a 60-39 advantage with 16 minutes to play, the Golden Bulls (4-1) squandered it before turning Benedict (3-1) back.

“We had lot of things wrong tonight, but we were able to pull it out, and I’m thankful for that,” Golden Bulls coach Steve Joyner said.

Forward Stedmon Lemon led J.C. Smith with 30 points, 10 rebounds and four assists while center Alandre Davis scored 17 points, including a pair of free throws for the final margin with 8.6 seconds left. Over the final minute, the pair hit all six free throws and Davis, who also pulled down nine boards, claimed the final rebound.

‘We kept encouraging Alandre to get low and for them to find him,” Joyner said. “There were several key plays down the stretch that offensively pulled us out.”

Point guard Robert Davis added 13 points and three assists.

Benedict guard Quayshun Hawkins led all scorers with 32 points on 11-of-19 shooting, 8-of-14 on three-pointers, while Brennan Reynard added 16 and Jordan Smith 12. Hawkins’ three-pointer with 43.3 seconds gave the Tigers a 79-78 advantage, but Lemon and Alandre Davis hit four free throws to turn the tide.

“I think we’re better as a group,” Joyner said. “I think we’re exceeding our capabilities, and as long as we can keep doing that, we have a chance to win a ballgame or two.”

J.C. Smith shot a sizzling 66.7 percent in the first half to grab a 42-35 lead at intermission but cooled in the second with 14 turnovers while the Tigers’ bench outscored the Golden Bulls reserves 36-10.

This story was originally published November 21, 2015 at 8:08 PM with the headline "Johnson C. Smith men’s basketball recovers from blowing 21-point lead."