MBB: TAKING CARE OF IT

CU GOES INTO SEMESTER BREAK WITH WIN OVER VIRGINIA STATE

Corey Neeley vs VSU (JL)
The Concord men's basketball team knew that they'd be challenged by Virginia State on Monday night, despite the Trojans' 1-7 record, and CU's 94-78 win in VSU's gym last month.

“They have some really good players, and if you're not careful they will hurt you,” CU head coach Kent McBride said before the game.  “They're solid up front and their guards are quick.  We've got to make sure we do what we need to do.”

The Mountain Lions did just that, turning away the Trojan 76-63 in a non-conference matchup at the Carter Center.

Concord never trailed, but didn't lead comfortably until the game's final minutes.  The Mountain Lions opened a 39-25 advantage at halftime, only to see VSU score the first 11 points of the 2nd half to get within 39-36.

Concord countered with seven unanswered points to go up by ten and would stretch its lead to 56-42 with 12:12 remaining. 

Virginia State managed to get within 60-54, but the Mountain Lions finally broke free with a 16-6 rally that put them ahead 76-60 with 2:28 left.

Ten Mountain Lion players saw action, and all ten of them scored.  Romel Kemp (below right) led CU with 15 points and seven rebounds while shooting 8-9 from the free throw line. 
Romel Kemp FT #2 vs VSU (JL)
Damien Tunstalle and Corey Neeley provided Concord a lift off the bench.  Tunstalle posted 13 points and four rebounds, while Neeley (above left) scored 12 points.

Concord committed only nine turnovers while distributing 14 assists.

Kenny Mitchell led Virginia State with 12 points.


Up next for Concord (6-4) is a non-conference contest at WVU Tech on Tuesday, January 3.  Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 pm in Montgomery, WV.

The game will be broadcast on WWNR AM 620 & 101.1 FM, starting with the “Mountain Lions Preview Show” at 7:10.  The webcast can be found on www.theticket102.com.



(statistics provided by CU SID GA Becky Brouse / photos by Jennifer Logan)



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