The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN student athletes at various levels of NCAA basketball opened their conference schedules following a series of COVID-19 related postponements.

Garvin Clarke had his second best scoring total, while Lathaniel Bastian recorded his fourth double double of the season.

In Division I, Clarke and the Akron Zips returned to the floor for the first time in just over two weeks and the Zips won their Mid-American Conference opener, 88-76, over the Buffalo Bulls.

Clarke finished with eight points, all of which came during a timely first half run that kept Akron in contention when the Bulls threatened to pull away.

The Zips improved to 8-3 on the season. Akron struggled offensively early on and went over 4:00 without a field goal made midway through the first half as Buffalo built a 25-13 lead. Clarke responded with eight points on an 11-2 run.

Akron returns to play today when they face MAC rival Ohio at 6pm, broadcast live on CBS Sports Network.

The Zips had three games postponed last week in what was expected to be their true opening of conference play. The Zips were expected to host Radford on December 20, were set to travel for the MAC opener at Bowling Green on December 29 and were expected to host their first MAC game scheduled on New Year’s Day against Northern Illinois.

The MAC will attempt to reschedule all games for a date to be determined.

Clarke is averaging 3.7 points and 3.3 rebounds per game in 11 appearances off the bench. He scored a career high 12 points in a November 18 win over Wheeling.

Bastian continues to be a dominant force for the Angelo State Rams in Division II.

The Rams lost their Lone Star Conference opener but Busatian posted 16 points and a career high 16 rebounds off the bench in a 96-80 loss to St Edward’s on December 31. With the loss, the Rams move to 9-3 overall, 0-1 in conference play while the Hilltoppers move to 8-4, 1-0 LSC. It was the Rams’ second loss to St Edwards this season.

Bastian is averaging 12.3 points and a team-leading 7.9 rebounds per game this season. He finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds in a 110-55 win over Dallas Christian, 12 points and 10 rebounds in a 77-75 loss to the Texas A and M-Kingsville Javelinas, 16 points and 11 rebounds in the November 12 loss to St Edward’s and a career high 22 points in a win over Texas A and M- International.

With Sunday’s game against St Mary’s postponed, the Rams are set to play again next week as they take on UT Permian Basin in a non-conference game scheduled for Thursday, January 6.