by Taylor Hodges

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Faulkner's men's basketball team (9-0, 1-0 SSAC) was able to knock down shots late in the second half on Thursday night to pull away from Middle Georgia to win 81-64 in its Southern States Athletic Conference debut at Tine Davis Gymnasium.

The Eagles started the game off rather slowly, and even went down as many as 10 points in the first half.

They were able to go on an 8-0 run to close out the first period, which put Faulkner up one point heading into the break.

The second half, just like the first, was back and forth, but the Eagles were able to take a two-point when Marquis Grays converted an and-one with 16 minutes remaining. Faulkner would keep their lead for the remainder of the game.

Three-point shooting was a struggle for the home squad in the first half, as they were only able to convert one of their 11 attempts. It was the difference in the second half though when they went six of 10.

Logan Jozwiak finished the game with a double-double, recording 13 points and pulling down 11 rebounds.

Earvin Perroni also recorded a double-double, tallying 12 rebounds and 10 points.

Grays came off the bench and led all scorers in the game with 15 points.

Adnan Halilovic manned the middle for Faulkner and came away with 13 points.

C.J. Jones sparked the Eagles with two threes in the second half, and he finished the game with 10 points.

Faulkner's next game will be against Brewton-Parker on Saturday at Tine Davis Gymnasium. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m.