Jan. 12, 2002

Box Score

Cullowhee, N.C. - For the second consecutive year, the regular-season meeting between Western Carolina and The Citadel went to overtime. Much like last year in Charleston when the Bulldogs pulled out a 56-54 victory in extra time, The Citadel came out on top in the Ramsey Activity Center with a thrilling 105-97 decision in double overtime Saturday night.

Catamount freshman Kevin Martin hit a running 3-pointer as time expired in regulation to force the first overtime, while WCU senior Casey Roger's putback with five seconds forced the second overtime. In the final period, the Bulldogs out-scored the Catamounts 15-7 to escape with the win.

The Citadel (11-4, 3-1 SoCon) was led by Travis Cantrell. The senior guard scored a career-high 36 points and tied a Citadel record with nine 3-pointers made, which additionally is a Ramsey Center record by an opponent. Cantrell also set a Ramsey Center record with 21 3-point attempts. Senior Cliff Washburn registered a double-double for the Bulldogs with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Also reaching double figures in points for The Citadel were Max Mombollet (14), Kenny Milford (13) and Alan Puckett (11).

Other Ramsey Center records set by the Bulldogs include 105 points scored, 14 3-pointers made and 39 3-pointers attempted.

Western Carolina (8-7, 2-2) got a career night from Martin, who scored 39 on 12-of-23 shooting from the field, including 7-of-14 from 3-point range. The Zanesville, Ohio, native kept his free throw streak alive, making all eight attempts. He has yet to miss in four SoCon games and made each of his last 32. The WCU record for consecutive free throws in 38, set by Clifford Waddy during the 1985-86 season.

Catamount senior Cory Largent added 23 points, while Kelvin Wylie had a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Western shot a blistering 59.3 percent from the field in the first half while holding The Citadel to just 34.3 percent. However, the Cats only took a 38-30 lead at the break due to its 2-of-9 performance at the free throw line and being outrebounded 24-14.

The Catamounts led by 12, 50-38, with 15:17 left in the second half. The Bulldogs held WCU scoreless for four minutes, cutting the advantage to 50-47 with 11 minutes to play. Overall, The Citadel had a 22-8 run to take a 57-56 lead with 7:52 remaining in regulation. No team took more than a five-point lead the rest of the half. The Citadel had a chance to seal the win in regulation, but Cantrell only converted 1-of-2 free throws with 11 seconds left to setup Martin's 3-pointer to force the first overtime.

In the second overtime the teams virtually traded baskets throughout the five minutes. Mombollet gave The Citadel an 88-86 lead with 31 seconds to play. Western's Largent missed a 3-pointer with 10 seconds left, but Rogers picked up the rebound and banked home a basket with five ticks left. Milford's desperation shot came up short, setting the stage for the final overtime period.

The Citadel took advantage of a pair of Catamount turnovers and held WCU to only one point over the final two minutes to seal the victory.

Western will return to action on Monday when its travels to Boone to face SoCon rival Appalachian State. Game time is set for 7 pm.