Newspapers / University of North Carolina … / Feb. 5, 1987, edition 1 / Page 12
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Sports Bulldogs avenge earlier loss to Colonels by Chris Allison Sports Editor The UNCA Bulldogs aven ged an earlier loss at the hands of the Eastern Ken tucky Colonels by defeating them 73-72 at the Civic Cen ter on Tuesday. In the earlier meeting, Eastern Kentucky shot a blistering 63 percent from the floor, including 15 of 18 three-point shots. Eastern Kentucky Coach Max Good had predicted a much different game when his team came to Asheville and this turned out to be the case. The Bulldogs led most of the first half but trailed 67- 69 vvith 1:19 to go. Gerald Rutherford scored on an in side shot and was fouled at the 0:38 mark. After con verting the free throw, the BuUdogs led 70-69. Eastern Kentucky then turned the ball over on a foul that sent UNCA’s Milton More to the line for a one and one. He connected on both giving the Bulldogs a 72-69 lead. After Eastern’s Bobby Collins missed two free throws, Moore scored on another free throw that would give UNCA the cushion to hold on for the win. "When it’s close late in the game we have won," Coach Jerry Green said, "except for the Baptist game where we self destnicted." Adding to his offensive effort, Moore also made cru cial defensive plays late in the game. "When the game was on the line, Milton made three defensive plays that helped us a lot," Green said. The Bulldogs had been in a slight slump as a result of a recent stretch of road games. Before Saturday’s vdn over Campbell, the Bulldogs had lost four of their last six outings. Despite the slump, the Bulldogs still came away with victories over Applachian State University and Augusta College. "I think when you shoot less than 30 or 40 percent, you’re lucky to be alive," Green said. "When we shoot well, our defense is good enough to keep us in the game." With the win over Eastern Kentucky, Green now has some breathing room. "I think tension wise it gives us a big lift," Green said. "It kind of expands us out." UNCA struggled early in the first half with Eastern going up 17-8 at the 13:50 mark. Green began to substi tute freely and the Bulldogs began to make a slow come back. "I felt good about subbing," Green said. "These guys work hard in practice and I’m not afraid to play them." "We felt like we could im prove and keep people fre sher by subbing freely." The Bulldogs tied the game 22-22 when Derrick Worrels hit two free throws at the 8:40 mark. UNCA went up by as much as six on two other occasions. Van Wilkins scored almost at will pumping in 19 first half points for UNCA, but the Colonels kept coming back. At the half the score was tied 41-41. In the second half, Wilkins opened up for UNCA vvdth a three-point basket. He fin ished the night hitting 4 of 6 three-pointers. Eastern Kentucky’s Antonio Parris answered for the Colonels with a three-pointer at the other end. After a score by Derrick Worrels tied the score at 48-46, both teams struggled offensively. Moore broke this drought when he scored for UNCA with 14:45 left in the game. The Bulldogs took their second six point lead of the half on a driving layup by William Funderburk with 4:58 left. UNCA then faltered as they turned the ball over two consecutive times and East ern Kentucky tied the game at 67. Rutherford then scored on the three-point play and Moore’s offensive and defen sive play lifted the Bulldogs to the win. "Our kids showed a lot of character when the game was on the line," Green said. "I think the people at the game were impressed with their play." "The crowd is getting more and more in the game," he said. "We’ve got such a small student body that we need community support." Wilkins led the Bulldogs in scoring with 30 points. Ricky Chatman added 14 points and 8 reboimds for UNCA while Moore pumped in 11. Eastern Kentucky defeated Western Kentucky, a former top twenty team, earlier in the season. They also were competitive with defending NCAA champion Louisville and an Auburn team that is ranked in the top twenty. They are also shooting .451 from three-points range, which is best in the NCAA Division I. "This may be the best team we’ve played in the category of N.C. State and Clemson," Green said. "This vvin puts us up in the Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana area," he continued. Teople know that it takes a good team to beat us." However the team’s success has its drawbacks. "As we’ve gained sucess, expectations have risen," he said. "It puts a little more pressure on us, but then nobody said the move (to NCAA Division I) was going to be easy." The team will travel to Charleston, S.C. to face The Citadel on Thursday. Staff Photo—Melanie Floyd UNCA’s Van Wilkins shoots for three points as teammates Ricky Chatman and Derrick Worrels look on. The Bulldogs avenged an earlier loss to the Colonels winning 73-72. Asheland Performance Center COMPLETE Car Service Performance ft opf-Roao Parts 45 Asheland ave. Asheville. NC 28801 JOHN TONKIN 704-253-2036
University of North Carolina at Asheville Student Newspaper
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Feb. 5, 1987, edition 1
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