Second-Half Surge Lifts Huntington Past SMC, 76-64

HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Host Huntington University outscored Spartanburg Methodist College men's basketball 43-28 in the second half to earn a 76-64 win on Saturday afternoon.

Huntington (5-1) shot 46.4% from the floor and connected on 13 of 19 free throws in the final 20 minutes. The Foresters were led by Jackson Paul, who recorded a triple-double with 17 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists. Cade Brenner added a team-high 18 points off the bench, while Kaden Johnson posted a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Spartanburg Methodist (0-4) was paced by Caleb Jenkins with 14 points, while Musa Muriithi and Kelton Teasley each added 11.

Tavarez Lacey gave the visiting Pioneers a six-point lead, 44-38, with 14:00 remaining. However, the Foresters responded with nine straight points over a three-minute stretch to regain control. A three-point play by Teasley tied the game at 47 with 10:04 left, but a Landon Biegel 3-pointer put Huntington ahead for good as the home team pulled away late.

Next up, SMC returns home for its Appalachian Athletic Conference opener against Columbia (S.C.) on Wednesday, November 12, at 7:30 p.m. in Bridges Arena.

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