COLUMBIA, SC – The Albany State Golden Rams started in unfamiliar territory, falling behind 6-0 on the heels of an interception returned 52 yards for a touchdown by Benedict College's Keeven Russ. But, it wouldn't take
Gabe Giardina's team long to overcome that adversity. Before the end of the first quarter, the Golden Rams would take the lead in the game at 7-6 behind Tori Sapp's 22-yard touchdown reception from
Dionte Bonneau and a
Gabriel Ballinas kick.
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From there, it was all ASU. ASU opened the third quarter with a
Marcuis Fulks touchdown of seven yards extended ASU's lead to 14-6. On the ensuing drive three-time SIAC defensive Player of the Week
Stephan Pierre scooped a fumble and rumbled 30 yards for the score. Ballinas' kick made the score 21-6. Fulks would cap the scoring in the fourth quarter with a three yard score for the 28-6 final.
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It was not ASU's best offensive output with only 258 yards of total offense, but defensively they held BC to just 161 yards of total offense.
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Ballinas made all of his extra points, averages 43.2 yards on each punt and downed three of them inside the opponent's 20-yard line.
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Defensively
Malik Barnes and
Jaree Turner led the Golden Rams with 4 tackles each.Â
James Hawkins had three tackles and Pierre had two.
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The Golden Rams come home for Senior Day on Saturday to face the Savannah State Tigers at 2:00 PM at the Albany State University Coliseum.
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