IGERVILLE, S.C. — The University of Mount Olive men’s basketball team showcased poise and resilience Saturday afternoon, rallying from a double-digit deficit to earn an 84–80 Conference Carolinas road victory over North Greenville at Hayes Gymnasium.
The Trojans weathered a tightly contested first half that included seven lead changes and three ties. Mount Olive leaned on efficiency at the free-throw line, knocking down 16-of-18 attempts in the opening 20 minutes to stay within striking distance and trail just 40–39 at the break.
Momentum swung in Mount Olive’s favor after halftime. The Trojans outscored the Crusaders 45–40 in the second half, shooting better than 53 percent from the field and draining five three-pointers to keep pressure on the home team.
Jaevian Alston led all scorers with 21 points, repeatedly attacking the basket and converting 10-of-11 free-throw attempts. Christian Ananaba added 17 points on an efficient 6-of-10 shooting performance, while Shane Peterson provided a spark off the bench with nine points, three assists, and three rebounds.
Mount Olive erased a deficit that grew to as many as 12 points behind a decisive late surge. Alston fueled a 12–2 run over the final five minutes, scoring five points at the line, finishing a layup, and coming up with a key steal to pull the Trojans within two.
With 1:51 remaining, a drive-and-kick from Peterson set up Alston at the top of the key, where he calmly buried a three-pointer to give Mount Olive an 80–79 lead. North Greenville responded with a free throw to tie the game moments later.
In the final minute, Alston delivered again, driving into the lane and converting a right-handed hook shot to put the Trojans ahead for good, 82–80. A strong defensive stand followed, capped by Ananaba securing the rebound after a contested jumper.
Alston sealed the win at the free-throw line with 13 seconds remaining, converting both attempts to secure the 84–80 victory.
Depth and discipline proved decisive for Mount Olive, which held a 31–15 advantage in bench points, collected 13 second-chance points, and finished an impressive 26-of-30 from the foul line.
With the win, the Trojans improve to 5–5 overall and 2–1 in Conference Carolinas play. Mount Olive returns to action Wednesday night, traveling to Wilson to face in-state rival Barton at 7 p.m.
