Dec. 12, 2000

Box Score

Cullowhee, N.C. - The Western Carolina (2-8) men's basketball team came back to tie the game at 57-57 with 2:21 remaining in the game, however could not hold off Mercer (5-3).

A 3-pointer by junior Casey Rogers gave Western a 60-57 lead with 1:52 remaining in the game. The 18-5 run by the Cats brought them back from a 13 point deficit. Mercer answered with a 3-pointer by Rodney Kirtz to bring the game back to a tie at 60-60. The Bears did not give up the lead for the remainder of the game.

The Cats tied up the game early in the first half and took a one point lead 7-6 at the 15:39 mark. The Bears made a 10-2 run for a seven point lead at the 8:22 mark. Western fought its way back to a 26-30 score at the half.

Freshman Rans Brempong recorded five blocked shots on the night for a season total of 27. He is only one point from the top 10 in WCU record books. WCU was led in scoring by Cory Largent with 18 points, while Willie Freeman and Corey Wells each added 13.

Mercer's Scott Emerson recorded the games only double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Also scoring in double figures for the Bears was Rodney Kirtz with 22 and Wesley Duke with 11.

WCU will travel to Marquette on Wednesday, December 20. Game time is set for 8:00 pm.