Box Score INSTITUTE, W.VA- The Concord University men's basketball team are now off to a 3-0 start after defeating West Virginia State on the road in the conference opener for both teams.
Concord is now 1-0 in conference play, and 3-0 overall, while West Virginia State falls to 2-1 (0-1 MEC).
The Mountain Lions used a hot start to set the tone early on in the game, starting the game on a 33-10 run in the first 7:11 of the game, with
Rob Reed scoring 17 points during that stretch, including 12 of those points coming from behind the arc. The Mountain Lions kept their foot on the pedal to finish the first half, going into the break with a 59-41 advantage.
The second half started on a good note for the Mountain Lions as well, as senior forward
Jametrius Wade hit a pair of free throws to give Concord the largest lead they would have all game at 70-45. The Yellow Jackets continued to battle, after an Awwal Reid tipin brought the Yellow Jackets within single digits 93-84, the first time the Yellow Jackets had been within single digits of the Mountain Lions since the 17:30 mark in the first half.
West Virginia State managed to pull within one point at 103-102 with just 28 seconds remaining after a three pointer from Tyrie Elliott. However, Reed and junior guard
Michael Sanchez went 6 for 6 from the free throw line down the stretch to put the game out of reach.
Concord had five players score in double figures.
The Mountain Lions were led by Reed, who after scoring 40 points against West Virginia State last season at home, scored 36 points on 9-16 shooting this time around. Reed was also a blistering 8-11 from three-point range. Reed also added four rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
Aaron Miller added 22 points, six rebounds, two assists, and a steal.
Jametrius Wade added 16 points and eight rebounds,
Terry Hopewell scored 14 points and had six rebounds, and
Michael Sanchez contributed 12 points and nine assists for the Mountain Lions. Sophomore forward
Babe Murphy also was efficient off the bench, adding five points on 2-3 shooting.
Free throw shooting was an important aspect for the Mountain Lions, as Concord and West Virginia State both attempted the same amount of free throws. Concord, however, made 28 out of 34 attempts as opposed to the Yellow Jackets 23 out of 34, including six consecutive makes in the final seconds of the game. Concord lead for all but the opening 52 seconds of the game, after which Wade made a layup to start the scoring for CU.
Concord also shot 56.5% from behind the arc, and shot 51.5% overall.
Concord continues conference play when they host the University of Charleston on Monday, November 23
rd. Tip is set for 7:30 p.m.
