AUM’s Johnny Williams attempts to drive past Faulkner’s Randell Moore in the Senators’ win on Monday. (Photo by Chris Dunn)

Combined Reports
(Jan. 26, 2010)

Daniel Quinlan scored 22 points to lead Auburn University at Montgomery to a 69-59 win over rival Faulkner University in Southern States Athletic Conference basketball action on Monday.

The Senators held a slim 37-33 lead at halftime after shooting 52 percent from the field, including knocking down four of its 10 3-point attempts.

AUM controlled the tempo of the game and Faulkner only led four times, all in the first half.  The visitor’s largest lead was two and their final lead was 20-18 after and Adam Okechukwu field goal with 8:06 left in the half.

“Our guys played hard,” AUM coach Larry Chapman said. “We made shots. We did what we needed to win and I’m very proud of their effort.”

AUM held the lead the entire second half except for one tie at 42-42 after a Camille Ngon AnGon free throw.  La Norris Smith connected on a 3-pointer on AUM’s next possession to put the Senators up 45-42, and AUM would never trail or be tied again.

Quinlan was balanced in his scoring, as he scored 11 points in each half and also chipped in with a team-high five assists.  Nathan Thomas continues to be a solid contributor as he hit for 13 points and Smith finished the game with 10.

The Senators out rebounded Faulkner 38-36 with Stephen Jordan and Charles Perona leading the way with game-high seven rebounds.

The Senators defense continued to shine holding Faulkner to 43 percent shooting for the game and that includes 39 percent in the second half.

Faulkner’s leading scorers Randell Moore (14 ppg) and Chris Palimore (11 ppg) were held to six points and five points.  Darius McKnight came off the bench to lead the Eagles in scoring with 14 points on six of seven shooting.

The Senators move to 10-7 overall and moved into a second place tie in the conference with a 5-2 record.  Faulkner falls to 11-8 overall and 3-4 in the conference.

After playing three games in five days, the Senators will be off until Saturday when they host Emmanuel College at 4 p.m. Faulkner faces Emmanuel on Thursday at 7 p.m.