Men's Basketball Starts Year Off Right with a Win Over Gators

In Short: Cape Fear Men's Basketball wins their first game of the semester at home in a competitive matchup versus the VA Peninsula Gators.

Highlights:

After a well-deserved break from game play for the winter holiday break, Sea Devils Men's Basketball took the floor once again in a double header alongside Cape Fear Women's Basketball against the Virginia Peninsula CC Gators.

Cape Fear started off strong with Sophomore captain Daniel Ransom landing a few shots in the paint, as well as slamming a couple of clutch alley-oops from his teammates in transition play. The Sea Devils kept the Gators on their heels for most of the half - while they continue to work on their outside shooting percentage, the sweat equity that goes into creating plays for each other does not go unnoticed.

As the end of the half drew near, both teams gave each other trouble defensively and were forcing consistent turnovers on both sides of the court. But Cape Fear remained on top as they finished the half 45-33.

Moving into the second half, the Sea Devils struggled to contain a few offensive drives from the Gators, which led to a tightening of the score and high-energy final minutes. Cape Fear continued to create opportunities for each other on the attack, but struggled to find their rhythm again while the Gators took advantage of their chances.

But as the clock ticked down, the Sea Devils did not give up. Freshman Josh Laney was an incredible difference maker both in his work ethic and his ability to drain 4 consecutive free throws to finish off the Gators in the final minutes.

Ransom led the Sea Devils with 19 points and was a force to be reckoned with when it came to rebounding on both sides of the court. Cape Fear ultimately pulled out the win on their home court to start off 2023 on a high note.

"It feels great to get back on a winning streak," says Head Coach Mark Lane. "But it won't get any easier as we prepare to face Denmark Tech. Conference play starts now and from here on out, we have to continue to find ways to win."

Up Next: Cape Fear Men's Basketball will travel to Denmark, SC to take on Denmark Tech on Wednesday, January 11th at 6PM.