Thursday, January 20, 2005

FREE THROWS SHOOT NORTH GEORGIA PAST FAULKNER 93-83

Montgomery, Ala. - North Georgia coach Chris Faulkner shuffled two pizza boxes from one hand to another, almost perfectly mimicking the deft way his team handled free throws Thursday.

The Saints were 39-of-44 from the line in a 93-83 win over Faulkner University at Tine Davis Gymnasium, including 33-of-36 in the second half.

"We've been shooting them pretty well all year," Chris Faulkner said. "The key to it is getting the ball in the right person's hands."

North Georgia's five starters combined to miss only three free throws -- and four scored in double figures.

Guard Matt Causey tossed in 25 points and dished out 10 assists. He was also credited with making all nine of his free throws, though he missed one with 3.6 seconds to play.

"Hey, I'll take it," said Causey, an 86 percent free-throw shooter and the Southern States Athletic Conference's leading scorer.

"Usually, I shoot them pretty good. I've hit 40, 50 in a row in practice."

North Georgia (13-5, 8-2 SSAC) shot 28 free throws on its final 21 possessions. The Saints made only two field goals in the game's final 14:55.

"When a team keeps on shooting free throws, it kind of slows down the game," Faulkner University's Richarde McCray said. "It took us out of our game because we need to run."

The Eagles (12-6, 6-4) watched a team score at least 85 points on them for the fourth time in six games. This year, Faulkner is 1-6 when it gives up 75 or more.

"If we score 83, we should win every game we play," McCray said. "We have to come together as a team and shut people down on defense.

"That's where it starts."

McCray finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds for the Eagles, while freshman Brandon Vaughn scored 17 points.

Stevan Milic had 16 points and Kellen Cole added 11 points on 4-of-19 shooting.

Faulkner University also had 24 offensive rebounds. They led to 17 points.

"We had 24 offensive rebounds and didn't convert many," Faulkner coach Jim Sanderson said. "Something good has to happen when you get an offensive rebound. Most of the time, you get them in the paint and should be in a position to score."

The Eagles, who finished 16-of-24 on free throws, huddled in their locker room for more than 30 minutes after the loss.

"We have 12 more conference games and we've got to get something started," McCray said.

Bryce Brickhouse finished with 21 points for North Georgia, which was making its last appearance at Faulkner's Tine Davis Gymnasium.

Mark Causey -- Matt's older brother -- added 14 points and Mark Trust scored 11.

The Saints are moving to NCAA Division II next season.

"This is a very tough place to come play, and I don't remember when North Georgia last won here," said Chris Faulkner, a second-year head coach who was an assistant at the school from 1993-97.

"We're thankful we could get out of here with a win."

Reported by Stacy Long, Montgomery Advertiser

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