Shahmel Brackett is four points away from the century mark at UNCP. He'll start today's game against Montevallo. | Contributed Photo
Brackett can take a moment and pause with two baskets today against Peach Belt West Division leader Montevallo as the unselfish junior standout is expected to become UNCP’s 28th member of the 1,000-point club.
He helped the Braves snap a three-game losing streak against Clayton State Thursday with a team-high 17 points against the Lakers.
“Obviously we just want to win games, but as a personal milestone it means a lot to me,” Brackett said. “Hopefully I’ll be able to break the school record.”
The school record is 2,161 set by Joe Gallagher from 1965-68. The last Brave to surpass the 1,000-point plateau was Jarrell Hunter in 2008.
“Yeah, so much for topping the record,” Brackett said.
The PBC East-leading Braves (10-4) will try and reach conference win No. 5 as they host the talented Falcons today at 3:30 p.m. UNCP has lost both career meetings against Montevallo (11-2, 2-0). Making the 514-mile trip from Alabama, the Falcons are led by the league’s leading scorer, D.J. Rivera.
Rivera averages 25.1 points per game and scored a season-high 37 in the season-opener against Mars Hill.
“They’ve been to two or three consecutive NCAA Tournaments and they’ve got a lot of scorers,” Miller said. “It’s going to be a battle.”
Brackett says the Braves, who are 7-2 at home, need to focus on rebounding with a “one game at a time” mindset. UNCP holds a one-game lead in first over USC Aiken. The Pacers come to Pembroke on Jan. 18.
“We got a lot of guys banged up, but as long as we play together and execute we should be fine,” Brackett said.
Reach Staff writer Brad Crawford at 910-272-6119 or at bcrawford@heartlandpublications.com
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