March 2, 2001

Box Score

By PETE IACOBELLI
AP Sports Writer

GREENVILLE, S.C.- David Schuck had 12 of his 19 points in the first half as North Carolina-Greensboro opened up a large lead and rolled to its first postseason victory since 1998, 91-69, over Western Carolina at the Southern Conference tournament Friday.

Jay Joseph and Luke Boythe added 14 points each for the Spartans (17-11), who had lost three straight in league tournament play since defeating the Catamounts (6-25) four seasons ago.

Schuck also had 17 rebounds, the 10th time this season he's made double figures in scoring and rebounds.

North Carolina-Greensboro takes on its second straight surprise opponent, facing Davidson - a 57-54 winner over tournament favorite College of Charleston earlier - in Saturday's semifinals.

Its' the first time in the league tournament's final four for the Spartans, who joined the Southern Conference in 1997-98.

Western Carolina, which came in with the league's worst record, shocked The Citadel in the opening round. The Catamounts came out just as hot in this one, taking a 10-2 lead.

But with Schuck finding himself free for easy inside baskets, the Spartans quickly recovered. They outscored Western Carolina 37-17 the rest of the half.

Cory Largent's basket with 16 minutes to go brought Western Carolina to 48-38. But that was close as the Catamounts would get. The Spartans grew the lead to 78-57 on Schuck's jam with 6:31 remaining.

Largent, who had 23 points in The Citadel victory, made just 3 of 12 shots for 12 points.

Willie Freeman led the Catamounts with 17 points and Casey Rogers had 16.