Bob Jones hangs on for win over Huntsville

Bob Jones needed a big second half from Travon Landry and two critical free throws from Tyler Davis to claim a 54-53 win over Huntsville in a non-area game.

Bob Jones needed a big second half from Travon Landry and two critical free throws from Tyler Davis to claim a 54-53 win over Huntsville in a non area game.

The Patriots played without center Reggie Ragland, who is in Montgomery getting ready for the Alabama-Mississippi All Star Football Classic this Saturday.

The Patriots knew they would have to overcome his absence in the low post and the nine rebounds and 14 points he has averaged.

“It was a hard game,” said Jeffrey Moss. “He’s our big man and he pulls a lot of rebounds. We struggled with rebounds all night.”

Bob Jones did get outrebounded 40-36 but Jemel Harper’s 5 rebounds in the second half and 8 for the game helped cover for Ragland. Harper also drew two key charging fouls late in the fourth quarter and scored 10 points.

Starting four guards Bob Jones wanted to run the fast break every chance they got. In the first quarter they built a 17-12 lead with Moss and Travon Landry leading the scoring.

Bob Jones however could not hit from outside the arc all night going 0-6. In the second quarter, Huntsville’s size advantage took effect and the Panthers cut the lead to three at halftime.

In the third quarter, Huntsville surged ahead by five points at 44-39 before Landry took over the game driving to the hoop and drawing fouls. His three-point play tied the game at 36.

Playing the point guard position, he had 14 points in the second half and 21 to lead all players in scoring. He also had three assists and one steal but did have problems at the free throw line hitting only 7 of 14 free throws.

“With Reggie being out this week I know me and Moss had to pick up the scoring,” said Landry, a junior, who this week committed to Tennessee.

“Moss had a real good night,” Landry said. “He had a mismatch all night and we went to him down low. He also played out high handling the ball real well.”

Moss was also effective playing some point guard late in the fourth quarter after Landry went out briefly with a cut on his lip.

Tyler Davis got the start in place of Ragland and figured prominently down the stretch. With the game hanging in the balance he hit two free throws to put Bob Jones up 54-50. That was important because Huntsville’s Will Powell nailed a three pointer with 1 second left.

Bob Jones stays perfect at 5-0 while Huntsville goes to 6-3.

“We are going to miss Reggie this week,” Coach Danny Petty said. “We just got to see who is playing well and work them in and see which group is playing well together.