Teams Commit 67 Fouls: Southern Tops Mississippi Valley State In Sloppy Contest
Two NCAA teams committed a combined 67 fouls in a contest marred by sloppy play and tight officiating.
In the game, Southern University defeated Mississippi Valley State 78-74, though the game was slowed dramatically as the teams committed 67 personal fouls, leading to 97 free throw attempts. Unfortunately, neither team was particularly good at converting those attempts, The Associated Press noted.
The Jaguars hit just 66 percent of their 53 attempts from the line, including 10-of-13 from Javan Mitchell, who later fouled out. The Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils did a little better, hitting 68.2 percent of their free throws. Davon Usher had 25 points, including 13 from the line.
The Delta Devils were able to make the most of their free throws, the school’s athletic department website noted. After trailing as many as 17 points in the second half, the team clawed its way back into the game by taking advantage of its free throws. With two minutes left, MVSU scored a traditional three-point play by Cameron Dobbs to cut the lead to 65-53.
The Delta Devils again slashed the lead, coming within two points after a three-pointer with 11 seconds remaining. But the Jaguars sank two free throws to put the game out of reach.
In the end, four Southern players notched double digit point totals. Derick Beltran led the way with 19 points, while Javan Mitchell had 18 and Jameel Grace had 14. The team shot 44.4 percent for the game.
There were other repercussions as the NCAA teams committed 67 fouls. Four Southern players fouled out, while the Delta Devils had one player reach five fouls.
