Friday, December 5, 2003
PRESBYTERIAN
DEFEATS ECKERD 68-62 IN FIRST ROUND
OF
THE 15TH ANNUAL MARRIOTT SODEXHO CLASSIC
CHARLOTTE, N.C. In a battle of 2003 NCAA
Division II playoff teams, Presbyterian College made a late
rally to take a 68-62 men’s basketball victory over Eckerd
(Fla.) College Friday evening in the 15th Annual
Marriott Sodexho Classic, hosted by Queens University of
Charlotte at Ovens Athletic Center.
Presbyterian improves to 4-3 overall, while Eckerd falls to
4-4 overall. The Blue Hose will face the host Queens
University of Charlotte, a 101-87 winner over Wingate
University, Saturday night at 7 p.m. Eckerd will the Bulldogs
at 5 p.m.
Presbyterian led 52-42 on a three-pointer by senior guard Andrew
Dellinger (Mauertown, VA). The Tritons put on their rally
caps, making a 15-2 run to take a 57-55 lead on a follow shot
by senior guard Sharrod McCree.
Dellinger answered with a three-pointer to give the Blue
Hose the lead for good at 58-57 with 2:22 to go. His bucket
ended a huge drought for Presbyterian, as the Blue Hose went
eight minutes and 30 seconds without a field goal.
After an Eckerd miss, Presbyterian freshman guard Melvin
Smith (Roanoke, VA) hit a triple to make it 61-57 at the
1:54 mark. The Blue Hose made seven-of-eight free throws down
the stretch to settle matters.
Dellinger led all scorers with 19 points. Freshman guard Sean
Dixon (Marietta, GA) added 11 markers. The Blue Hose made
10-of-22 three-point field goals, including six-of-nine
three-pointers in the second half.
Eckerd junior guard Greg Plummer led the Tritons
with 14 points off the bench. Senior forward Marcus Bryant
contributed 13 points. McCree managed only nine points. McCree
entered the game as the Tritons leading scorer with 18 points
per game.
Both teams played in the NCAA Division II tournament last
year. Eckerd advanced to the Elite Eight, losing to Queens
University of Charlotte. Presbyterian made it to the Sweet 16
before falling to Elite Eight participant Bowie State (Md.)
University.