:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55628927/569392.0.jpg)
Dewayne Jackson’s 20 points and nine rebounds helped the top-seeded FCM Untouchables beat OPI 92-77 in Philadelphia.
OPI found themselves ahead for a decent portion in the first half, but the Untouchables began to pound the glass, including 14 offensive rebounds to give themselves extra possessions. The team began to pull away in the second half as their shooting improved to 50%.
Former Red Storm guard Marcus Hatten came off the bench and scored 16 points, including four three-pointers. Hatten also got his teammates involved, accumulating a tied team-leading four assists.
If the Untouchables plan to advance further in the tournament, they will need to clean things up on the offensive end. They turned the ball over 16 times, including eight unforced turnovers. Despite Hatten’s promising shooting performance, the rest of the team shot under 30% from deep, a number that certainly needs to rise.
On the other end of the court, they also gave up 11 offensive rebounds and allowed OPI to shoot 50% from behind the arc.
Kenny Bellinger had a game high 26 points for OPI, who’s team initials stand for a friend of team members Kyle Callanan and Tanner Darwell who was killed in a car accident. GM Kelly Kennedy said it was the team’s goal to keep his memory alive.
The Untouchables move on to play Paul Champions tomorrow at 11:15 AM. Despite being a nine seed, Paul Champions will prove to be a difficult matchup with former NBA player Earl Boykins, and a 7’6” center Mamadou Ndiaye protecting the paint.