BETTER THE SECOND TIME

MOUNTAIN LIONS TAKE REMATCH WITH FAIRMONT STATE

• Share:

When the Concord Men's Basketball team first met Fairmont State this season, it was the Mountain Lions' first game after a four-week semester break.

CU was rusty and inconsistent, and dropped an 80-67 decision in Fairmont on January 8.

Concord met the Fighting Falcons on Saturday, put in a much better performance, and came away with a much better outcome.

The Mountain Lions capped a strong 1st half with an 18-6 run, led 50-35 at the break, and went on to a 96-82 Senior Day victory at the Carter Center.

FSU came into Saturday's game with the WVIAC's top defense, allowing 70.9 points per game. Concord broke the 70-point barrier with 7:42 left in regulation on the way to becoming only the second team to score more than 90 points against the Falcons this season.

The game was close early. A three-pointer by FSU's Melvin Rhodes pulled the Falcons within 32-29 with 5:26 left in the 1st half, but Cory Willard answered with a three-pointer on CU's next possession.
That started the Mountain Lions' half-closing rally, which Aaron Fluellen capped with a three-pointer at the buzzer.

Concord would lead by as many as 17 points in the 2nd half. FSU got as close as 80-73 on Chris Talley's three-pointer with 4:11 left, but Rafee Smith – Concord's only senior – countered with a layup (right), and CU quickly restored a double-digit lead.

The Mountain Lions shot a sizzling .600 (18-30) in the 1st half and finished at .508 (31-61) for the day. Concord enjoyed a big advantage at the free throw line, going 23-31 compared to FSU's 8-16. Concord outrebounded the Fighting Falcons 42-35.

The two teams combined for 46 assists and only 18 turnovers.

Rick Alderman continued his recent strong play, leading Concord with a double-double of 25 points and 13 rebounds. Javaughn Acree-Manuel shot 7-12 from the field, including 4-8 from three-point range, to add 23 points. Willard drained 4-7 three-pointers to finish with 12 points.
CU's starting backcourt of Corey Neeley and Aaron Fluellen combined for 14 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists with only one turnover.
Smith, playing in his final home game, was 6-8 from the field in posting 15 points and seven rebounds.

Talley led Fairmont State with 22 points, 17 in the 2nd half. He was 6-8 from three point range.


BOXSCORE


Up next for Concord is a visit to the University of Charleston for a WVIAC contest on Wednesday, February 23. The game, part of a doubleheader with the CU women's team, is scheduled to tip-off.

Wednesday's doubleheader will be broadcast on ESPN Radio 102.3 The Ticket, starting at 5:30 pm. A link to The Ticket's live audio webcast can be found on the Men's Basketball homepage at www.cumountainlions.com.

Print Friendly Version