Thomas’ double-double powers Huntingdon men past Pensacola Christian

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – It was a closer game than head coach Mike Pugh would have liked, but the Huntingdon men's basketball team pushed its winning streak to three games with a 79-77 win over Pensacola Christian on Monday.

"We knew how good Pensacola Christian was and the kind of schedule they've played," Pugh said. "We didn't play as well on defense as we have the past few games and we weren't as sharp as we needed to be. But when it was all said and done, we found a way to win against a good team."

Huntingdon junior Jeremiah Thomas recorded his fourth double-double of the season, with a season-high 26 points and 17 rebounds, to lead Huntingdon (5-9) to its fifth win in seven games. Pensacola Christian dropped to 11-8 with the loss.

"I just tried to come out and play hard to help the team. The main goal for all of us is to help the team win," Thomas said. "These past few games have been great. We've all stepped up on defense and we're playing together. We're making our free throws and we're getting rebounds, things we weren't doing early in the season. We just need to keep working hard and playing together."

Thomas' 17 rebounds are the most by a Hawk at home since Roland Arena was dedicated in 2007.

"Jeremiah had a monster game," Pugh said. "Jeremiah did an outstanding job, especially against a team as big and physical as they were. They had guys 6-foot-6 and taller and Jeremiah's only 6-2. But he worked hard and battled with them."

Sophomores Courtnee Edgar and Austin Hill each added 17 points. Edgar also grabbed seven rebounds and had four steals. Mike Kilpatrick had four assists.

"Courtnee has stepped up big the past few games. He may only be 5-9, but he plays a lot bigger," Thomas said. "Austin is a great addition to the team. He's still getting used to the way we play, but he made some big shots tonight."

Hill, a 6-7 forward, recently transferred to Huntingdon. Monday was his second game with the Hawks.

"Austin is working hard and learning our system," Pugh said. "We're throwing a lot at him in a hurry, but he's figuring out what we do and learning on the fly. He's still got some things to work on, but he gave us a big spark tonight."

Huntingdon (1-0 in the Great South Athletic Conference) returns to action on Wednesday at LaGrange (7-10, 2-0 GSAC). Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.

"It's a conference game on the road and LaGrange is playing well," Pugh said. "It's going to be a tough game, but it would be huge for us if we can pick up a conference win on the road."