Enloe boys’ basketball remains winless after loss to Jordan

Enloe’s third-quarter rally was not enough, as the Eagles fell to Durham Jordan boys’ basketball team for the second time this season. Jordan had four players score in double figures in its 71-61 win on Monday night.

“I thought we battled real hard,” Enloe coach Patrick Paye said. “We’re not accepting this as a moral victory but I thought we played well enough to win.”

Down by six in the third, Enloe’s NiQuan Cousins got the crowd going with a huge put-back slam. The Eagles (0-5) then forced a turnover and converted a layup to cut the deficit to just two points. Jordan missed its next shot and Enloe’s Nasheem Wilkins nailed a three to take the 43-42 lead.

However, Jordan (6-1) remained calm and used a 1-2-2 press to force some turnovers and reclaim the lead.

“A few less turnovers in the second half and things would be a little different,” Paye added.

Falcons coach Kim Annas is pleased with the win, but believes his team has to do a better job of keeping opponents away from the offensive glass.

“I thought our guys responded better in the second half,” Annas stated. “We did a little bit better on the boards. Just enough to give us a chance to win the game and we were fortunate enough to come out of the game with a W.”

Turning Point

After Cousins’ put-back jam charged Enloe, Jordan’s Preston Edwards forced back-to-back turnovers while at the top of the press. He would score after the first steal and then he found a trailing Cheo Craig who got fouled on his way up. Craig knocked down both free throws to take some steal out of the hosts.

Three who mattered

Keason Mayfield, Jordan: Mayfield had a game-high 20 points. He controlled the ball for the Falcons and made the right plays when they needed him to.

Cheo Craig, Jordan: Craig was always in the right place at the right time. He got to where he knew he could be effective and he delivered when his name was called.

NiQuan Cousins, Enloe: Cousins recorded a double-double, finishing with 10 points and 10 rebounds. He brought a lot of energy and had two put-back dunks on the night.

By the Numbers

8: Players scored in double figures (four from each team)

52: Combined points scored by Jordan’s four scorers in double figures

46: Combined points scored by Enloe’s four scorers in double figures

This story was originally published December 8, 2015 at 11:12 AM with the headline "Enloe boys’ basketball remains winless after loss to Jordan."