BREAKING: DJ Smith scored an impressive 26 points, leading the Campbell Fighting Camels to a decisive 86-72 victory over the Hampton Pirates on Thursday night in BUIES CREEK, N.C.. This crucial win improves Campbell’s record to 9-8 and 3-1 in the Coastal Athletic Association, while Hampton falls to 8-9 and 2-2.
The game kicked off with the Camels seizing the lead within just three minutes, establishing control early on. At halftime, Campbell held a solid 43-30 advantage, propelled by Jeremiah Johnson’s first-half performance, where he scored 11 points.
In the second half, Smith’s outstanding performance continued; he added 16 points to his tally, helping Campbell maintain their lead and outscore Hampton by one point in the half. The Camels showcased their shooting prowess, making 10 three-pointers and converting an impressive 32 of 38 free throws, amounting to 84% accuracy from the line.
Jeremiah Johnson contributed significantly with 18 points and was a perfect 13 of 14 from the foul line, despite struggling from the field with 2 of 11 shooting. Cameron Gregory also made a mark, scoring 17 points, including 5 of 7 from beyond the arc.
On the opposing side, Michael Eley delivered a remarkable effort for Hampton, leading all scorers with 43 points, alongside eight rebounds and three steals. Xzavier Long and Christian Watson added depth to the Pirates’ effort, with eight points and nine rebounds from Long and seven points from Watson.
As the Camels continue their strong performance in the Coastal Athletic Association, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if they can maintain this momentum in upcoming games.
Stay tuned for further updates on Campbell’s journey as they aim for a strong finish in the season.
