Pulley Advances To Bronze Division Semifinals

Howard Pulley advanced to the Boo Williams Invitational Bronze Division semifinals with a 73-72 win over Alabama Challenge. Pulley is currently 2-2 and faces the Georgia Blazers at 9:30 a.m. Sunday.

Howard Pulley lost their opening game to the Houston Hoops 78-69. Pulley jumped out to an 8-3 lead as Jacob Thomas had a driving lay-up and three-pointer. The score was 24-24 when Houston went on a 12-0 run and expanded the lead to 45-30 at halftime. Houston showed why they are one of the most athletic teams in the country as they had nearly a dozen dunks in the game.

Harrison Barnes, who is playing for the Pulley in major events, had 22 of his 29 points in the second half. Jacob Thomas had 13 points and Joe Coleman added nine.

Pulley faced the Mac Irvin Fire in their second game. Mac Irvin features three Illinois commitments and two outstanding sophomores. The team was made even deeper with the addition of Tim Hardaway Jr, who has gotten some Minnesota interest.

Thomas continued his hot outside shooting as he hit seven three-pointers in the first 12 minutes and had 25 points at halftime as Pulley trailed 46-45. Unfortunately, Thomas picked up his fourth foul just seconds into the second half and was forced to sit for nearly 10 minutes. Barnes continues his strong play with 26 points and a coast to coast dunk with 19.4 seconds left to cut the lead to 85-84. Mac Irvin hit one free throw, but Barnes lost the inbounds pass out of bounds and Mac Irvin hit two free throws to seal the 88-84 win. Thomas did not score in the second half and finished with 25 points. Jordan Hughes of Henry had 17 points and Coleman added 10.

Pulley got their first win with a 76-72 victory over Wisconsin Playground Warriors. Barnes had 26 points, Hughes added 18 and Thomas scored 15.

Pulley defeated Alabama Challenge 73-72. Pulley led 71-67 when Thomas was called for a foul on a three-point attempt. Alabama made all three free throws to cut the margin to one. Hughes sealed the victory with two free throws with 19.1 seconds left. Barnes had 25 points in the win. Thomas made four three-pointers as he had 16 points and Hughes added 10.