Fast Paced First Half Helps Jefferson Emerge with 98-71 Win Against Bloomsburg

PHILADELPHIA – Going ahead 16-0 to begin the game and being up as much as 38 points in the first half was the catalyst for the Thomas Jefferson University men's basketball team (4-5) to get back on the right track and cruise with a 98-71 victory over Bloomsburg University (2-5) in non-conference action this Saturday evening.

WHAT HAPPENED 
The Rams began the game off with a 16-0 run, with Ahmed Barba-Bey leading the charge as he converted on an and-one while making a three-pointer to have eight of his team leading 23 points in less than five minutes into the game. After a Huskies basket, Jefferson did not let up with Erik Timko, Kaba Farouk, Ashton Miller, and Justin Hawkins all making baskets to get ahead 24-4. 

Bismark Nsiah added two dunks as well as make two free throws to have it 30-8 with under nine minutes before the break. The Rams would continue this attack throughout the first half, going 22-45 on the field, having a 48.89 field goal percentage, and 40% from beyond the arc (6-15). Bloomsburg would have the last six points of the first half, but Jefferson were in full control with a 57-26 lead heading into the break. 

The Huskies would find their momentum in the second half, outscoring Jefferson 45-41 in that span. Timko and Hakim Byrd had the first two buckets in the period, but Louie Wild made a three to have it 61-29. Bloomsburg would begin their own run, outscoring Jefferson 13-6 to make it 66-42 with under 13 left to play. Barba-Bey and Byrd would each have a basket while Kaba hit a layup and two Timko free throws kept Jefferson up 74-44. The Rams would keep their attack going as Jack Moynihan made two threes near the end of the match, eventually helping the rest of the team cruise to a 98-71 win over Bloomsburg. 

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE: 
Ahmed Barba-Bey: 23 points on 8-of-16 shooting (4-10 3PT), 12 rebounds, 5 assists 
Erik Timko: 22 points on 8-of-18 shooting, (2-9 3PT), 4-4 FT, 7 rebounds, 5 assists 
Bismark Nsiah: 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting, 4 rebounds, 2 steals 
Justin Hawkins: 11 points on 5-of-7 shooting, 4 rebounds, 2 assists 
Farouk Kaba: 10 points on 5-of-12 shooting, 1 rebound, 1 assist 

UP NEXT 
Jefferson will look to start the winter break with another home game as they host Saint Anselm College on Saturday, December 16 at 1 p.m. in non-conference action.