Barons Sweep 3-Game Homestand
Courtesy of BPCU
The Brewton-Parker Christian University Barons defended Gillis Gymnasium with authority this week, securing three conference victories in a span of five days. Capped by a win over Thomas University on Saturday, the perfect homestand lifts the Barons to a 13-3 overall record and a commanding 5-1 mark in conference play.
Head Coach Leonard Epps praised his team’s resilience through the grueling schedule, “Anytime you can win three games in five days, you don't care what it looks like and just find a way,” Epps said. “I was proud of our guys for how they fought and put together two halves of basketball.” vs. Life
The week began in dramatic fashion on Tuesday, Jan. 6, as the Barons rallied from a nine-point halftime deficit to hand Life University its first conference loss of the season, 67-61.
The Barons struggled early, going 0-for-10 from beyond the arc in the first half—their first time failing to hit a three in a half all season—entering the break trailing 35-26. However, BPCU opened the second period with an 11-3 run to cut the lead to one. Gil Gonzalez and Tommy Tisdale III elevated their play to spark the comeback. Tisdale was automatic down the stretch, scoring 10 points on perfect shooting in the second half. Gonzalez dominated both ends of the floor, adding 11 second-half points along with three blocks and two steals. Tisdale iced the game with two late free throws to secure the comeback victory.
“Really proud of how our guys rallied today,” Epps said. “We played great team basketball in the second half and took control of the game.” vs. ABAC
Momentum carried into Thursday night as the Barons downed the ABAC Stallions 79-66. Unlike Tuesday’s grind, the Barons found their rhythm from deep early, leading 43-32 at the break and never looking back.
Jayden Hill spearheaded the attack with 21 points in just 23 minutes, knocking down 7 of 13 attempts from 3-point range. His shooting ignited a midsecond- half run that pushed the lead to as many as 25 points. Forward Gil Gonzalez provided a massive interior presence, recording a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds while tallying four blocks. Abraham Garjah orchestrated the offense, adding 11 points and a team-high five assists. The Barons controlled the glass with a 38-30 rebounding advantage, using efficient perimeter shooting and rim protection to keep the Stallions at bay. vs. Thomas
The Barons completed the sweep on Saturday, Jan. 10, powering past Thomas University 83-71 behind a dominant second-half surge.
After a tight first half ended with BPCU clinging to a 37-35 lead, the Barons outscored the Night Hawks 46-36 in the final period. Jayden Hill delivered a masterclass, scoring a game-high 29 points on 10-of-21 shooting, including six 3-pointers. Abraham Garjah was highly efficient, posting 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting with a team-high six assists. Tisdale chipped in 14 points and four steals, helping the perimeter group control the pace. Hill’s dunk in the closing seconds put an exclamation point on the win.
“I give a lot of credit to Thomas; they made us play a different way today,” Epps noted. “But it's always nice to go into the weekend games on a win streak.”
The Barons now face a difficult road test as they travel to Alabama this week. They are set to face Faulkner University on Jan. 15, followed by a matchup against Mobile University.
