JAMESTOWN, N.Y- -- The Villa Maria College men's basketball team traveled to Jamestown Community College to take on the Jayhawks on Monday. They came out of the gate firing on all cylinders and rode that wave to a 78-59 win. The Vikings now have a record of 9-8 on the season, while the Jayhawks fall to 2-19.
 
Villa were impressive to start the game, grabbing an early 17-6 lead. They were tough on defense, forcing 15 turnovers, and converted those turnovers to 22 points. Halfway through the first half, the Vikings began to extend their advantage starting with a three-pointer by Rhalon Bragg to put them ahead 22-9. Bragg followed a Chris Coleman free-throw with a layup to push the lead to 16 points. Zamar Harris knocked down a three-pointer at the ten-minute mark to put Villa up 28-11. The advantage reached 20 points for the first time with 5:07 to play, thanks to a Jeriah Williams free-throw. The largest lead of the half came with 1:21 to play when Bersy Moundzieho made a layup to make the score 45-19. The Jayhawks scored one free-throw before going into half-time.
 
The opposition cut back on their turnovers and it helped make the second-half competitive. The two teams traded baskets and Villa did not surrender their 20+ points advantage until the five minute mark of the second half. JCC cut their deficit to 70-55 with 3:36 to play, but Bragg stopped the run with back-to-back layups, pushing the lead back up to 20. As time expired, the Vikings won 78-59.
 
Williams was the leading scorer with 19 points on 8-for-12 shooting from the field and grabbing five rebounds. Bragg helped facilitate the offense, handing out eight assists, while scoring 12 points, collecting five rebounds and stealing the ball three times. Noaln Shephard also tallied 12 points to go with his six rebounds. Harris has continued his strong run of games, scoring in the double-digits for the fourth straight game. In addition to his 15 points, he also had five rebounds, four assists and three steals.
 
Up next for the Vikings is a home game against Kent State Tuscarawas on Wednesday, February 1. The matchup is scheduled for a 5:40 pm tip-off.
 
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