Tuesday, January 4, 2005

#4 BLUE RAIDERS SKATE PAST SAINTS 81-79

Dahlonega, Ga. – For the second time in three games, North Georgia College & State University lost to a top ranked opponent by two points. Fourth ranked Lindsey Wilson College held off a strong second half run by the Saints to improve their record to 12-1 with a 81-79 victory in the final game of the Wal-Mart Classic hosted by NGCSU.

The Blue Raiders dominated the first half as they jumped out to a 46-23 lead. Senior guard Jared Barnes (Franklin, Tenn.) and senior guard Cavin Cummings (Nassau, Bahamas) each scored in double figures in the first with Barnes knocking down 13 and Cummings tallying 10. Before time expired in the first half, Cummings took the ball down the middle of the court and knocked down a jumper in the lane to give LWC the 23 point lead heading into the locker room.

In the second half the Saints came to life as they rallied back against the Blue Raiders. LWC had a double digit lead late in the second half until a free throw from sophomore guard Matt Causey (Gainesville, Ga.) cut the lead to nine and made the score 75-66 with 2:57 remaining in the game. With nine seconds left in the game, a lay-up by sophomore post Mark Trust (Winder, Ga.) got the Saints to within two, but the Blue Raiders defense held on strong for the win.

Causey led all scorers with 26 pionts while taking down five rebounds and dishing out three assists. Junior post Dustin David (Nicholson, Ga.) had a season high 21 points and six boards while Trust threw in 12 points and was one rebound short of a double-double.

LWC posted four players with double figures in points with junior guard Scott Cook (Brisbane, Australia) leading the way with 20 points. Senior forward Terrance Taylor (Riviera Beach, Fla.) had a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Box Score

Return to Men's Basketball