JACKSONVILLE, FL -- The Jacksonville University men's basketball team got an 18 point, 13 rebound performance from forward Stephon Payne III on its way to a 78-65 victory against the Trinity Baptist Eagles at home Monday.
The Dolphins (1-0) had two players score in double figures, led by Payne who collected his sixth career double-double. Payne's scoring matched a career-high and his 13 boards set a new career-high for the junior from Jacksonville.
"This was great," Payne said. "We have been preparing for the season all summer so it felt really good to get back out here and playing games that count. This year, I am going to be more of a focus. It is different but I have been ready."
Zach Bell added 11 points for the home squad and Simon Wheeler put up five points, a game-high seven assists and a game-high five steals.
Jacksonville out-rebounded Trinity Baptist 51-34, paced by Payne III's baker's dozen boards. Donovan Rivers added nine rebounds and Zimi Nwokeji grabbed five.
"I feel like my defense and offense can grow, but with more minutes, I will grow more," Payne said. "I feel like my growth will come with the more minutes I play."
The Jacksonville defense was effective at taking away the basketball in Monday's game, forcing 18 Trinity Baptist turnovers while committing 12 itself. Those takeaways turned into 19 points for the Dolphins. Wheeler's five steals led the way for the Dolphins.
Adding to his big performance, Payne added a steal and a game-high two blocks to end the night as the game's most impactful performer.
"Steph is an everyday guy," head coach Jordan Mincy said. "Every time we show up, you always can count on Steph Payne to do what he does. He is an unselfish individual. To see how he came out tonight, I want to say I am shocked, but it is what we expect from him. I am extremely proud of who is developing into."
After falling behind 5-0, Jacksonville went on a 6-0 run culminating in a bucket from freshman Chris Arias to take a 6-5 lead. The Dolphins carried the momentum for the rest of the first half and took a 34-24 halftime advantage. Jacksonville did most of its first half damage in the paint, scoring 22 of its 34 close to the basket.
Following the break, Jacksonville kept widening its lead to as much as a 72-52 game after a jumper from Kendall Munson. The Dolphins scored their final points of the evening off a three from freshman Kent Jackson, assisted by fellow freshman Anakin Brown.
"How about that crowd," Mincy said. "That crowd was awesome. To have a great positive environment, especially for our young dudes, it was great. A lot of our guys were trying to understand the pace. The young freshman have jitters. It was cool to see everyone mixed in together. We saw some lineups that will be beneficial for the season."
Game Notes
- Jacksonville never trailed in the second half on its way to victory.
- Jacksonville recorded 19 total assists in the game.
- Arias earned a start in his first college game, finishing with two points and four boards.
- Freshman Enrico Borio added eight points and four rebounds.
- Payne had a game-high two blocks.
- In total, the Dolphins got 31 bench points.
- Jackson finished with six points, hitting two of the team's six three-pointers.
Comments from coach Mincy
Next Up
JU will hit the road for its second game of the season. The Dolphins will travel to Gainesville to take on the No. 21 Gators at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7.
