ATHENS, W.Va. – The Concord University men's basketball team led for over 39 minutes in Wednesday's 93-90 win over Glenville State but had to hold off a late rally by the Pioneers in a Mountain East Conference game at the Carter Center.
The Mountain Lions (14-5, 9-4 MEC) came out firing as they connected on nine three-pointers and led by as much as 16 points, 41-25, in the first half after two free throws from freshman guard
Brandon Kennedy at the 4:47 mark of the first half.
Sophomore forward
David Bea Mulumba and junior guard
Jair Rodgers each hit three three-pointers in the opening half as CU carried a 53-41 lead into halftime.
After GSC (7-12, 2-11 MEC) cut Concord's lead to 53-46, the Mountain Lions went on a 14-5 run to stretch it lead back to 16 points with 14:34 remaining. Senior guard
Tommy Bolte and Mulumba combined for 11 of the 14 points.
CU continued to lead by double digits until a Glenville State jump shot cut Concord's advantage to 86-77 with 3:20 left, but Bolte answered to stretch the lead back to double figures. However, the Pioneers weren't done as they outscored the Mountain Lions 10-2 over the next 1:42 to trim the lead to 90-87.
A Bolte steal and subsequent dunk gave CU a five-point edge with 12 seconds remaining. However, a quick three-pointer and a foul by GSC put Rodgers on the line. Rodgers made 1-of-2 foul shots. Glenville State's Phil Bledsoe collected the miss on the second Rodgers' free throw, but his shot just inside half court hit off the top of the glass as CU held on a for a three-point win.
Rodgers recorded 23 points, making four three-pointers in the win. Mulumba tied his career best with six made triples on his way to 20 points on 7-for-12 shooting. Bolte added 19 points and five assists.
After missing a game due to injury, sophomore guard/forward
Malik Johnson made his way back into the lineup to pour in 15 points and tie his career high in steals with three. Junior forward
Simun Kovac collected 11 rebounds in 17 minutes of action off the bench.
Concord takes to the road to face West Virginia Wesleyan 4:00 p.m. Saturday.
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