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JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) – For the first time this season, Terrance Ford and Izaiyah Nelson walked the handshake line as part of the starting five for Arkansas State men’s basketball Sunday.
The Red Wolves went on to defeat NAIA opponent Bethel 90-65 and both had good performances. Ford, the Chicago freshman, had 11 points, 6 assists and 2 steals. Nelson added 8 points and 4 rebounds.
Head Coach Mike Balado said Avery Felts is dealing with an illness to go along with his recent shooting struggles, opening up an opportunity for Ford to step into the lineup.
“I started Terrance because Avery was kind of under the weather,” Balado said. “And maybe to give him a different look from the bench because he hasn’t shot it well and I know he will.”
Felts went 3-4 from three in the season-opener against Harding. Since then, he’s made just five of 24 attempts (21 percent). The Westside alum shot 41 percent from long distance last season.
Ford has done just fine in Felts’ place, using his combination of speed, driving ability and vision to lift the A-State offense. This season, Ford has 24 assists with 4 turnovers while averaging 7 points per game.
Nelson is averaging 6.7 points per game with 5 rebounds.
“To be honest with you, I think [Izaiyah] played better than [Omar] I did and I started him because he deserved to start,” Balado said of Nelson’s recent performance.
Balado said the freshmen earn his trust.
“There’s only been a handful of freshmen since I’ve been here that I’ve had confidence in from day one, and if I have to play them I can. Caleb Fields, Norchad Omier, Terrance Ford and Izaiyah Nelson, that just,” Balado said. “These guys are ready so to throw them in the starting lineup, I’m not really worried about it because they both bring different things. And we were allowed to bring more firepower from the bench , you know, Omar and Avery, give those guys a different look so it’s really fun here, I don’t know if we’re going to stay here, but you never know.”
Arkansas State hosts Mississippi Valley State Thursday night at 7:00 PM.
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