HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA – The University of South Carolina Beaufort men's basketball team faced a tough test on Sunday afternoon, taking on No. 6 the University of Alabama in Huntsville. The Chargers used a fast start to take the opening lead before going on to secure a 100–66 win over the Sand Sharks.
The loss snaps USCB's four-game season-opening win streak, dropping the Sand Sharks to 4–1 on the year. UAH improves to 3–1.
USCB was led by Nolan Paladugu, who scored 14 points and knocked down four three-pointers. Dylan Lewis added 10 points and grabbed four rebounds. Four Sand Sharks recorded two assists, tying for the team high.
UAH opened the game with six straight points before Evan Kilminster put USCB on the board with a layup. Lukas Platauna followed with the team's first three-pointer to keep the margin within four.
The Chargers pushed their lead to 15–5 after a fast-break dunk off a steal. After the Sand Sharks scored five straight, UAH responded with an 11–0 run to build a 28–10 advantage midway through the first half. Paladugu hit back-to-back threes in an effort to swing momentum, but the Chargers consistently answered. UAH carried a 51–27 lead into halftime after hitting 21 field goals, including five from beyond the arc.
Lewis opened the second half for USCB with a three-pointer. Both teams hit four threes in the period, with the Sand Sharks shooting 34.9 percent from the field compared to UAH's 51.4 percent.
Both teams grabbed 14 offensive rebounds, with USCB converting theirs into eight second-chance points. The Sand Sharks finished with 13 assists on 26 made field goals, assisting on exactly half of their baskets. Late in the second half, Paladugu added five consecutive points on a three and a jumper to finish with his team-high 14.
UAH closed out the game to secure the 100–66 victory, handing USCB its first loss of the season. Hudson Norton finished with seven points while adding five rebounds. Lukas Platauna was the team lead with six rebounds in the game.
The Sand Sharks next game comes after Thanksgiving on Saturday afternoon in Pembroke, North Carolina against University of North Carolina at Pembroke on the 29th at 4:00 PM.
Stay tuned to uscbathletics.com and follow Sand Shark Athletics on social media for the latest news, updates, and information.
