JACKSON, MS- Millsaps got a balanced offensive effort and key stops down the stretch as they handed the Birmingham Southern Panthers their first loss, 69-67, on Sunday in the conference opener for both teams.
Ronnie Frebis hit a key free throw with 20 seconds left and the Majors' defense forced two errant shots from Larry Thomas to move to 1-0 in SAA play.
This was a nip-and-tuck affair for the entire 40 minutes, with neither team leading by more than eight points. The Majors erased an early Panther lead by continuing to drive against the previously unbeaten Panthers, getting into the bonus just six minutes into the contest. The Majors were a meager 15-30 from the line but the constant attacking pressure from the Majors took its toll over the course of the game.
Mac McElveen had a three point play midway through the first half to put Millsaps up 21-17. The sophomore had a game-high 16 on Sunday. After trading baskets for much of the middle part of the half, BSC would get hot from distance, hitting four straight threes down the stretch as they took a 39-34 lead at the half.
The Panthers would stay hot from distance early in the second, taking their largest lead of the game at 44-36 after a Thomas three pointer. Millsaps would go on an 8-0 run to respond with freshman Dallas Prater getting hot and scoring on a pair of drives to the rim.
The lead would changes hands four times over the next five minutes as neither team had an answer for the other. The Majors would get hot, going on a 10-2 run to take a 66-59 lead with just three minutes remaining. McElveen hit a pair of threes and another highlight reel dunk to fuel the rally. BSC responded immediately, connecting on two threes and forcing a pair of turnovers to making it 66-64 less than 60 seconds later.
Dustin Aubert was phenomenal in the second half, scoring on several drives including one with 90 seconds left to giving Millsaps a four-point lead at 68-64. The senior had 14 points three rebounds and two assists on Sunday.
Another three by Ross Welch of the Panthers brought the Millsaps' lead to one at 68-67. A pair of turnovers and three of four missed free throws by the Majors kept it a one score game in the final seconds.
But the Millsaps' defense held strong, forcing three empty possessions by the Panthers in the final minute including the two missed chances by Thomas. His jumper at the buzzer fell off the back of the rim, giving Millsaps their second win of the season.
Millsaps shot well from the field, shooting 47 percent (25-53), including owning a 38-20 edge in the paint. They also out rebounded the Panthers 35-30 as Alex Gerchow had a team-high nine boards for the Majors.
The win moves Millsaps to 2-4 on the season and 1-0 in conference play. The Majors will have a pair of games next weekend, starting on Friday night as they welcome in the Covenant Scots. Tip time from the Hangar Dome is set for 7pm.
