In front of a sold-out crowd of more than 1,000 spectators, the Milligan men’s junior varsity squad took on North Carolina inside the Steve Lacy Fieldhouse Monday.
After getting hot from outside in the first half, the Tarheels JV created enough momentum to top the Buffaloes 100-78. UNC shot 8 of 12 from the 3-point arc in the opening period.
The packed Steve Lacy Fieldhouse was full of energy Monday as the two teams faced off. Typically, when the squads meet every year, they play inside the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, N.C., and UNC JV coach Hubert Davis said that it was good for his players to compete in an atmosphere like Monday’s.
“This is much better. This is awesome,” Davis said. “For them, playing inside the Dean Dome, they don’t get crowds like this. Playing on the road and being in a different environment and feeling like you are on the varsity team is really neat.”
Milligan Buffaloes’ Chase Phillip led his team with a game-high 15 points, while teammate Cody Sprouse followed up with 12. Milligan JV coach Morgan McLeod was happy with how his Buffaloes fared against the Tarheels and said that it was a great experience for everyone on the team.
“It was fantastic,” said McLeod. “You usually play down there. So having it here was a once in a lifetime for all of our guys.
“. . . I hope our guys look past the wins and losses,” Mcleod said. “You guys got to play the Carolina JV away. They don’t play away games ever. I got to coach against Hubert Davis. That’s something I’ll remember forever.”
It was a special night for Milligan’s Jordan Stout, who competed in his last game for the Buffaloes. As Stout left the floor Monday, fans cheered loudly for the senior. Stout finished the game with ten points.
“I don’t think I’ve fully processed all of it yet,” said Stout. “It will hit me later on tonight and in the coming days. I grew up and still am a huge Carolina fan. Being in the Dean Dome that is a whole other atmosphere. A few tens of people in the Dean Dome doesn’t really give you the same atmosphere like tonight.”
There has been a lot of work leading up Monday’s game, and Milligan head men’s coach Bill Robinson said he felt thing went great.
“The whole ride has been incredible,” said Robinson. “Hubert wanted to see the (Bristol) Motor Speedway, so we hook them with our connection over there. They got to ride the pace care this morning and took a charter bus around the track.
“. . .It just seemed like everyone had a good time, including them.”
Milligan’s varsity team will host Allen University this Wednesday for an AAC matchup.