Golden Rams take two from LeMoyne-Owen

Albany State returned from holiday break Saturday to host LeMoyne-Owen in a Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association matchup. The extended break proved to be just what ASU needed as the men stopped a six-game skid by defeating the Magicians 79-72, and the ASU women won 63-54.

The ASU men’s offense exploded in the first half, scoring 44 points on 18-of-32 shooting (56 percent). The Golden Rams then made the most of their opportunities from the foul line in the second half, netting 20-of-24 attempts and ending the game having made 25 total free throws at 81 percent of their attempts.

Jared Harrington and Tyrell Williams both had monster games for Albany State (4-10, 3-2). Harrington finished with a game-high 24 points and 11 made field goals. Williams added 21 points and was a perfect 11-for-11 from the free throw line.

Napoleon Harris had a game-high eight rebounds for ASU.

Jerry Hurt led LeMoyne-Owen (8-5, 3-2) with 18 points.

The Lady Golden Rams stopped a three-game skid with their 63-54 victory.

Both teams came out hot, shooting 46 percent from the field in the first quarter.

The ASU defense settled in for the second frame, holding the Magicians to six points on 17 percent shooting, while the offense stayed hot and scored 14 points to give the Golden Rams a six-point halftime lead.

It would prove to be all ASU needed as it led the rest of the way en route to victory.

Ashley Johnson paced Albany State (4-9, 3-2) with 22 points, including going 7-for-7 from the charity stripe. Alexandria James added 10 points.

Ucemdirim Ibebunjo had a game-high 14 rebounds.

ASU will be back in action Monday as it hosts Lane College at the Arena at West Campus. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m.