Behind a 24-point performance from sophomore DJ Via, the Mary Baldwin University men's basketball team earned its second straight victory with a 70–67 win over Methodist University Saturday afternoon.

Via, coming off a buzzer-beating shot earlier in the week against Greensboro College, stayed hot as he shot 8-of-12 from the field and an impressive 70 percent from three-point range. The sophomore guard delivered 15 of his 24 points in the second half, including 12 from beyond the arc, to help fend off a late Monarch rally.

Mary Baldwin controlled the opening 20 minutes, capitalizing on eight Methodist turnovers and converting them into 11 points. The Fighting Squirrels showcased efficient ball movement, recording seven first-half assists while limiting the Monarchs to just two.

With 1:05 remaining in the first half, Mary Baldwin built a 16-point advantage. Sophomore Rony Hogarth tallied seven of his 12 total points in the opening period, while senior Raymond Benton added eight points to help pace the offense. As a team, MBU knocked down 6-of-13 attempts from three-point range in the first half.

Holding a 12-point lead at the break, the Fighting Squirrels extended their advantage to 18 early in the second half before Methodist responded. The Monarchs used a 13-point scoring run to trim the deficit to one with 15:34 remaining.
After committing just a handful of miscues in the first half, Mary Baldwin turned the ball over 12 times in the second, allowing Methodist to stay within striking distance.

Via answered each push from the Monarchs, knocking down timely three-pointers down the stretch. Junior center Jamal Ukaegbu provided a strong presence inside, frequently getting to the free-throw line and scoring nine second-half points in the paint.
Mary Baldwin currently holds the final playoff position heading into the last two games of the regular season.

The Fighting Squirrels return home Tuesday, February 17, to host Southern Virginia University at 6:00 p.m.
 
Notes:

• Leading Scorers:
  • MBU:
    • DJ Via-24
    • Jamal Ukaegbu-13
    • Raymond Benton-12
  • MU
    • Brian Bullock-16
    • KJ Brooks-15
    • O'Montae Daniels-13
• Biggest Lead
  • MBU: 18
  • MU: 5
• Points off Turnovers
  • MBU: 14
  • MU: 25