Johnson’s Triple-Double Headlines Narrow Setback to Itawamba
Decatur, AL – Calhoun men's basketball put together a furious second-half push but couldn't fully erase a double-digit deficit, falling 96-90 to Itawamba on Tuesday night at Kelley Gymnasium. The opening minutes were a back-and-forth exchange as both teams traded baskets, but midway through the first half the Indians seized control. A string of defensive stops and timely shooting allowed Itawamba to build a 42-30 halftime advantage.
The Indians looked poised to break the game open early in the second half, shooting a blistering 58% from the field and 52% from three, knocking down 12 triples on the night. But Calhoun refused to fade. Behind the relentless play of the veteran Calhoun backcourt, the Warhawks mounted a fierce rally that put the game back within striking distance.
Masiah Robinson ignited the offense with 20 points on an efficient 7-of-12 shooting while adding six steals and four assists. Jordan Johnson delivered one of the most complete performances in program history, erupting for a triple-double: 23 points, 11 rebounds, 10 steals, and seven assists, just three assists shy of an elusive quadruple-double. The backcourt duo dictated the tempo in the second half, steadily chipping away at the deficit and pulling the Warhawks within two possessions in the final two minutes.
Despite the late surge, Itawamba capitalized at the free-throw line to hold off the comeback and hand Calhoun its fifth loss of the young season.
Head Coach Derrick Powell emphasized the importance of setting the tone earlier: "We needed to start the game with the same intensity we ended it with. These guys dominated the pace in the second half, but we can't put ourselves in a 12-point hole at halftime. I'm proud of the fight and proud of the guys for their effort, and Jordan's performance was tremendous. We've got to carry that level of play into the next one."
Calhoun (4-5) will return to action Thursday, December 4, traveling to Northwest Mississippi for a 6 p.m. tipoff.