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Barons upset No. 9 Faulkner University

Barons head coach, Steve Barker (seated, center), discusses strategy during a time out Jan. 18 in the Gillis Gym. (Photo by Ashley Byrd)

Taylor Hereford

Director of Marketing

MOUNT VERNON – You’ve no doubt heard it before – offense wins games and defense wins championships. 

A championship may not have been on the line last Thursday night, but the Brewton-Parker College men’s basketball team held the Faulkner University Eagles to 61 points as the Barons (7-15, 3-7) upset the No. 9 team in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), 71-61.

Sophomore Baron guard Jubrien Byrd (33) brings the ball down into scoring territory as the Faulkner University Eagles try to block his path. Senior guard Warren Beulah (1) assists. (Photo by Ashley Byrd)

“This was without a doubt a big win for us,” said head coach Steve Barker.  “Not only was Faulkner number nine in the nation, they were also the number one team in our conference.  To be able to hold a fast-breaking team like that to 61 points is a testament to how well we played defensively.  I’m proud of these guys.”

The Barons were led by junior George Fudge’s double-double (18 points, 10 rebounds).  Senior Warren Beaulah had 16 points and sophomore Jurbien Byrd, a junior college transfer, had 13 points in the win.

Byrd, along with sophomore Jose Dominguez and junior Rodney Jackson, joined the team after the college’s Christmas break.  Barker is quick to point out the difference the addition of these players has had on his team.

“We haven’t shot the ball well so far this season,” Barker said.  “Jurbien, Jose, and Rodney have brought an added dimension to practice and to our games.  They have contributed greatly and have helped our shooting percentage as a team.”

BPC plays host to No. 24 Lee University Jan. 25 in the Gillis Gymnasium inside the Bartow and Jean Snooks Student Activities Center.  Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m.  The Barons then travel to Auburn University-Montgomery Jan. 27 to take on the Senators.  Tip-off for the AUM game is scheduled for 4 p.m.

BPC students and fans “get into the game” from the sidelines during the Barons v. Faulkner University Eagles match-up Jan. 18 in the Gillis Gym on the Mount Vernon campus. (Photo by Ashley Byrd)

Dr. David R. Smith, president of Brewton-Parker College (far right), joins BPC students to cheer on the Barons in their game against No. 9 NAIA team, Faulkner University in the Gillis Gym on the Mount Vernon campus Jan. 18. (Photo by Ashley Byrd)

-BPC-