Jan. 10, 2001
Cullowhee, N.C. - Despite shooting 53 percent from the floor and receiving 24 points from junior Cory Largent, the Western Carolina Catamounts fell to the red-hot shooting Belmont University, 88-75, Wednesday night in the Ramsey Center.
The Catamounts (2-14) put three players into double figures, led by Largent's career-high 24 points. (It is the third time this season he has scored 24 points and the fourth time in his career.). Junior forward Willie Freeman, who was 5-of-6 from the floor and 5-of-6 from the field, added 15 points and had a team-high six boards.
Sophomore Kori Hatcher was the only other Catamount to place double-digits finishing with a career-high 14. Also having as career night was freshman Emre Atsur. The Istanbul, Turkey native scored seven points, making his first field goals of the season.
Belmont (7-8) put six players into double-figure scoring led by junior guard B. J. Proffitt with 20. Six Bruins additionally combined to make 12 3-pointers, tying a Ramsey Center record. (WCU accomplished the feat in 1995 and 1989, while Marshall and Virginia Military Institute did it in 1996 and 1995, respectively.)
Western Carolina jumped out to an early 17-10 advantage midway through the first half. Belmont tied the game at 17-17 thanks to a pair of jumpers by Adam Sonn and a three pointer by Wes Burtner. The Bruins closed the half with a 20-4 run over the final 7:30 of the first half and never relinquished the lead.
Western Carolina will return home on Saturday (Jan. 13) as they host Southern Conference opponent East Tennessee State as a part of a WCU basketball doubleheader. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM in the Ramsey Center.
|
|
 |
