"We got punched in the mouth."
That's how sophomore guard Darian Williams described Tuesday night's game against scrappy Vance-Granville. But while the Thoroughbreds may have taken a licking, they kept on ticking and claimed a hard-fought 89-83 overtime win in Apex in Blue Lights' regular season opener.
A major part of the Vanguards' success lay in the work of point guard Tyshii Scarborough, who continually found ways to drive into the lane and dish to cutters for open layups. "I told the guys to pressure him," said BLC coach Mario Pharr after the game. "I think we started doing a lot better job toward the end of the game and especially in overtime. Playing them full court tired him out a little bit."
VGCC led for most of the game, sometimes by as many as 10 points, but Blue Lights (1-0) would fight back, taking a lead by as many as six in the first half before leading by two at intermission.
Again, Vance-Granville took control after the break, largely on the assist work of Scarborough, before Williams came to life offensively. The sophomore guard scored just four points in the first half, but upped his output late in the game to finish with 17 and a load of assists.
With the game tied at 77-77, BLC had a chance to win it at the buzzer but could not connect. Free throws by Williams and Jawan Browder helped seal the deal in the final minute of overtime.
Anthony Hill Jr. led the Thoroughbreds with 21 points while Chris Dickey added 18 in a balanced attack.
Willcliff Senatus had 17 for VGCC.
The Herd now faces the first of 12 straight road games when they meet Apprentice Friday night in the MACU Invitational in Elizabeth City.
