UWF Men's Basketball Drops Exhibition Game to South Alabama 73-41 :: Argos played their final tune up before the regular season starts November 15th at home.

Argos played their final tune up before the regular season starts November 15th at home.

Nov. 10, 2007

MOBILE, Ala. - The South Alabama Jaguars ran past West Florida by a 73-41 score Saturday night, in the Argos final exhibition game. The game counted for South Alabama (1-0), as Division I schools can start play on November 9th, while Division II schools, such as West Florida (0-0) can not open the regular season until November 15th. It is now becoming a precedent in college basketball for Division I schools to play their first game against a Division II school that is still playing preseason contests. West Florida will open the regular season on November 15th at the UWF Fieldhouse.

West Florida got out to a slow start and shot only 24% in the first half. However, at one point in the first half, they scored eight straight points to close to within 27-17. Moments later, the Jaguars took advantage of the off shooting night for the Argos, to push the lead back up in the early going of the second half. The Argos only connected on two of 16 shots from three point land. West Florida did improve their overall shooting percentage to 34% in the second half.

Senior forward Vitor Boccardo hit on 10 of his 11 free throws to end with 14 points to lead West Florida. Junior center Charles Bouie added 10 points, as the Argos got over half their points from their inside players. Bouie also added some defense with two steals and a blocked shot. The contest was played in front of 4,976 fans at the Mitchell Center in Mobile, Alabama.

The Jaguar's Junior Guard Domonic Tilford, led all scorers with 15 points, while teammates Brandon Davis and Demetric Bennett each added 12 points. South Alabama shot 42% for the game, and out-rebounded the Argos 47-21. West Florida Head Coach Don Hogan played 11 different players, and each played for a minimum of nine game minutes or more. With several newcomers, the exhibition contests are needed to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the players.

Senior Lucas Evangelista scored five points and grabbed a team high four rebounds. Junior Guard Ryan Henry added six points, while Point Guard Deondre Boynton scored three points and dished out three assists. Swingman Kenny Holmes rounded out the West Florida scoring with three points. West Florida will start the regular season with four straight home games, beginning this Thursday at 7:30 pm, as they host Concordia College from Selma, Alabama.