Barons Win On Buzzer-Beater
Courtesy of BPCU
Gil Gonzalez drilled a jumper at the buzzer after a midcourt steal to lift Brewton-Parker Christian University Barons men's basketball team to a 75–73 comeback win over the University of Tennessee Southern Firehawks on January 29, 2026, capping a secondhalf rally that erased a double-digit deficit at Gillis Gymnasium.
The Barons trailed by as many as 15 points and were down 46–35 at halftime before methodically chipping away after the break. Gonzalez and Tommy J. Tisdale III sparked the turnaround from the perimeter, while Jadon Melvin’s late 3-pointer pulled the Barons even at 73–73 with 2:35 remaining. The Firehawks came up empty on their final possession, setting the stage for Gonzalez to jump a passing lane, sprint the other way, and knock down the gamewinning shot as time expired.
Gonzalez finished with 20 points, eight rebounds, and three steals, leading a Brewton-Parker offense that outscored the University of Tennessee Southern 40–27 in the second half. Brewton-Parker’s defense tightened as the game wore on, forcing 12 turnovers and coming up with eight steals, including the decisive swipe from Gonzalez at the horn. Tisdale’s 3-pointer at 18:21 of the second half signaled the start of the Barons’ push, trimming the gap to 49– 41. Abraham Garjah supplied 11 points, going 7-for-7 from the foul line while adding four rebounds and three assists to balance the Barons’ attack.
Head Coach Leonard Epps reflected on the team's performance following the game, saying, “We escaped a tough, well-coached Southern (University of Tennessee Southern) team that shot the lights out tonight. It took every bit of 40 minutes to come back and pull that one out, but it's always fun when you get a game-winner. Loved the fight from our guys and never giving up, good way to get back into the win column.”
The Barons’ win moves them to 15-6 and 7-4 in conference. The Barons' next game was scheduled to be against the Toppers of Blue Mountain University, but due to the weather, it has been postponed. Check with Barons Athletics for follow-up information on when the Barons will compete next.
