by By Reid Williams
The Haskell Indians would improve to 4-11 for the year with a comeback win Friday night at Coffin Complex against Grace University. The lead would change hands seven different times before the final buzzer would sound. Haskell would walk away with a 71-69 victory.
Grace University would win the tip, and on their first possession take a two-point lead. After that, HINU would take control for most of the first half. Haskell was able to control the pace of the first half thanks to great shooting from Wilber Everett (80% from the floor) and Tsalidi Sequoyah (83% from the floor). Throughout the game, the two were able to consistently get to the basket and convert easy shots for the Indians. By the 2:06 mark in the first half Haskell would have their largest lead of the game; 12 points. Dj Hanes (18 points) would score a pair of quick baskets for Grace just before the half to make the score 38-31, in favor of Haskell.
The Indians would come out flat to start the second half and Grace would take advantage. Grace University would not only make up the seven point half time deficit, but would also hold an eight point lead with 6:45 remaining in the game. HINU would battle back and with only 50.6 seconds left, Tsalidi Sequoyah would approach the free throw line down 69-68. Sequoyah would knock down both free throws and regain the lead 70-69. Haskell would hold Grace scoreless for the last 50 seconds and walk away with the 71-69 win.
Despite Grace University holding the advantage in fast break points, turnovers, second chance points, and bench scoring, Haskell was still able to pull out the win. The difference in the game would come at the free throw line where Haskell would make 82% of their free throws compared to just 52% for Grace. Wilber Everett would be Haskell’s leading scorer with 18 points, and Duelle Gore would have a double double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
The Indians will look to pick up another win on Jan. 12th, when they travel to Langston University. The next HINU home game will be Jan. 18th against Avila University.
