Wednesday, February 25, 2004

BLUE HOSE WIN DEFENSIVE BATTLE OVER INDIANS 60-51
ON SENIOR NIGHT
PC’s Collins and Smith lead Blue Hose with 10 points apiece

CLINTON, S.C. — Presbyterian College sophomore center Johann Collins (Raleigh, N.C.) and freshman guard Melvin Smith (Roanoke, Va.) each scored 10 points to lead the Blue Hose to an 60-51 win over the Indians of Catawba College in South Atlantic Conference men’s basketball action Wednesday night at the Ross E. Templeton Center.

Presbyterian College recognized Senior Night versus the Indians as the program honored guards Willie Brown (Greenville, S.C.) and Andrew Dellinger (Mauertown, Va.) who played in their final home regular season game.

The first half, PC took an early 10-6 lead on a layup by sophomore forward Tray Ballenger (Wellford, S.C.) at the 13:41 mark. Catawba pulled even at 11-11  on a three-pointer by freshman guard Brian Graves (Newport News, Va.) at the 8:27 mark. The Blue Hose ended the half on a 14-5 run to take a 25-16 lead into intermission.

In the second half, Catawba opened on a 13-4 run to tie the game at 29-29 on a old fashioned three-point play by sophomore center Jolly Manning (Rocky Mount, N.C.) at the 15:52 mark. The game stayed close over the next several minutes as each team took a turn holding the lead. PC held a slim 43-42 lead at the 5:54 mark before going on a 17-8 to end the game including hitting five-of-six free throws in the last minute to seal the victory.

Joining Collins and Smith for Blue Hose scoring honors was Dellinger and freshman center Brian Epperly (Roanoke, Va.) who each added eight points.

Catawba was led in scoring by sophomore forward Helgi Magnusson (Reylgarvik, Iceland) who tallied a game-high 14 points and added five boards. Senior guard Duke Phipps (Newport News, Va.) added nine points and seven boards for the Indians.

Presbyterian College improves to 16-10 overall and 7-6 in league play while Catawba College falls to 9-17 overall and 4-9 in the SAC.