Buffs pick up big road win at Montreat

MONTREAT, N.C. (Dec. 12, 2020) – Five members of the Milligan University men's basketball team scored double figures, and the Buffaloes played a strong second half to storm past Montreat 88-83 Saturday in an Appalachian Athletic Conference road game.

The win snapped a two-game losing streak for the Buffaloes, who moved to 4-4 (4-3 AAC) this season.

"This was a huge win on the road for the Buffs today," Head Coach Bill Robinson said. "I'm very excited for the guys going into break. It's been a tough week with two heartbreaking losses at home, but the team showed great heart and character. David Tripp and Josh Thomas have been great all season and played well again tonight. Levontae Knox made a great defensive play late, and Tyler Faulkenberry hit a huge three. This win will give us some much-needed momentum going into next semester."

In the closing seconds

The game changed hands 15 times, the last time coming on a huge 3-pointer from Tyler Faulkenberry. After Montreat scored to take the lead with 1:30 left, Faulkenberry knocked down a triple from the corner to put the Buffs into the lead 85-83 with 47 seconds left, and they would remain in the lead for the rest of the game. Milligan's defense came up with a big stop on the opposite end on the ensuing possession, then the offense made free throws to seal it.

Faulkenberry's three, plus the made free throws in the final seconds, helped Milligan thwart a comeback which saw the Cavaliers go on an 8-1 run over a span of a minute and a half late in the second half. The run put Montreat on top by one before Faulkenberry connected on another 3-pointer to put the Buffs on top with under four minutes to go.

In all, the game featured 15 lead changes and 12 ties, 11 of those lead changes and eight of those ties coming in the second half. Milligan outscored Montreat 49-42 in the second half and 6-0 over the final minute and a half.

In the box score

David Tripp led the Buffaloes with 20 points, marking the eighth time in eight games he has scored 17 or more points. He also scored his 1,000th collegiate point. Josh Thomas and Trevor Hensley each scored 16, and Faulkenberry and Levontae Knox each scored 10. Knox's 10 points were a career high and he added a game high five assists.

Thomas added a team high seven rebounds.

For Montreat, JaJa Davis led with 24 points on 8-of-11 shooting. Noah Dunn scored 22, and three Cavaliers tallied nine rebounds, including Davis.

Up next

Milligan will break from action until 2021, when the Buffaloes are set to go to St. Andrews on Tuesday, Jan. 5. The next home game for the Buffs is Saturday, Jan. 9, against CIU. Home games can be followed online at milliganbuffs.com.