MEN'S BASKETBALL: NOW AND THEN

MOUNTAIN LIONS EVEN SEASON SERIES WITH WVU TECH, EXTEND WIN STREAK TO FIVE

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For an encouraging progress report on how far the Concord Men's Basketball team has come this season, look no further than the Mountain Lions' two matchups against non-conference opponent WVU Tech.

The first was November 15 in Montgomery, the second Thursday night in Athens.

The first was a 95-89 Golden Bears victory, and the second game of CU's season-opening four-game losing streak.

The second was a satisfying 97-85 win by the Mountain Lions, stretching Concord's winning streak to five straight games.

In November, WVU Tech outrebounded Concord 51-33 and held the Mountain Lions to a .326 field goal percentage in the 2nd half. On Thursday, CU shot .500 in the 2nd half and, while still being outboarded 45-35, scratched out a 15-14 edge in offensive rebounds.

In November, Concord's inside players mustered only eight points. In the rematch, CU sophomore center Rick Alderman turned in an 18-point, 15-rebound performance.

Two constants from both games were each team's leading scorer. CU's Javaughn Acree-Manuel led all scorers with 30 points; he dropped 22 in the 2nd half, sparked by 4-6 shooting from three point range. Acree-Manuel scored a season high 39 points on November 15th.

Tech's Josh Proctor followed his 24-point, 15-rebound night in the first game with a 29-15 showing Thursday that included 11-16 shooting and seven offensive rebounds.


Each team took its turn dictating the play until the final minutes.

The Golden Bears (5-4) broke away from an early 9-9 tie to take their biggest lead at 22-15 with 9:51 to play in the 1st half.

Concord scored 10 unanswered points in the next 2:01 to lead 25-22 and led 41-37 at halftime.

WVU Tech scored 10 of the 2nd half's first 15 points to take a 47-46 lead, before Concord pulled even at 51-51 with 13:38 to play.

CU's Rafee Smith then scored five straight points to spark a 16-6 rally that put Concord ahead 67-57 with 9:35 left.

Tech came back with a 16-4 run to move in front 73-71 with 5:41 on the clock, but CU grabbed back the momentum – this time for good.

Acree-Manuel sank a three-point shot with 4:52 left to give Concord a 74-73 edge. Eleven seconds later, after Tech nullified its next possession with an offensive foul, Acree-Manuel buried another three pointer that pushed the lead to four.

The Golden Bears began fouling and Concord (5-4) secured the victory at the free throw line. The Mountain Lions were a remarkable 18-20 from the line over the last 3:17, including a string of 11 in a row. Acree-Manuel was 8-8 in that span.

In addition to Acree-Manuel's 30 points and Alderman's double-double, Concord got 15 points from Cory Willard and 11 from Smith.

For WVU Tech, Rashon Tabb and Donald Robinson backed up Proctor with 16 points each.

BOXSCORE

Up next for Concord is a WVIAC matchup against the University of Charleston on Saturday, December 9 at the Carter Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00 pm, or 20 minutes after the conclusion of the CU women's game against Edinboro (PA).

Both games will be broadcast on ESPN Radio 102.3 FM The Ticket (WMTD, Hinton/Princeton/Beckley).
Links to The Ticket's audio webcast, Concord's live streaming video and Live Stats can be found on the Men's Basketball homepage on www.cumountainlions.com.

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