The Tyner Rams had to wonder if someone put a lid over the basket before their game Thursday night.
The typically explosive Rams – they previously had averaged 72 points per game – scored just 26 points in the first three quarters on their way to a 52-44 loss to Columbia from Huntsville, Alabama, in the first annual Henry Bowles Classic at Howard.
“We’re not used to playing teams with that kind of size,” Rams coach E’Jay Ward said. “That was a good test for us. That team has the type of talent that you would run into when you get to Murfreesboro at state. Even though we lost, I feel like we could’ve won that game.”
Columbia jumped out to a 10-2 lead, with its length and athletic ability forcing a slew of turnovers and hurried, contested shots from the Rams. That led to an early timeout by a frustrated Ward.
Tyner settled down and trimmed Columbia’s margin to two points by the end of the first quarter, but the early deficit forced the Rams to play catch-up throughout the game. After they took their only lead midway through the second quarter, the Eagles countered and took a 23-21 advantage into halftime.
As meager as the offense was in the first half for both teams, it got even worse in the third quarter. Tyner had as many turnovers (five) during the period as it did points, and Columbia finished the quarter on a 7-0 run to open a 33-26 lead headed into the final quarter.
Tyner went just 5-of-22 for the game from behind the arc and made only three of 12 free throws. And the Eagles controlled the offensive and defensive glass, a point of emphasis for Ward in the locker room after the game.
“Down the stretch, the game is won by who can rebound and win 50-50 balls,” Ward said. “It’s not always about points; my number-one priority is rebounding. If we can get those 50-50 balls and rebound, we’ll be a good team.”
The Rams looked like a completely different team in the fourth quarter, scoring on their first four possessions as they drew within a point. But the Eagles continued to hold them at bay before pulling away for the victory.
Melique Hemphill led the Rams with 12 points – all on 3-pointers – while Columbia’s Larry Penn led all scorers with 14.
Contact Kevin Llewallyn at sports@timesfreepress.com.