Jan. 17, 2004

Final Stats

Johnson City, Tenn. - The game between Western Carolina and East Tennessee State had its share of unusual statistics, as the two teams combined for 62 total fouls and six players fouled out of the contest. In addition, the two teams combined for a total of 84 foul shots. However, the story of the game was a 26-6 run by the Buccaneers over the first eight minutes of the second half, expanding a nine point lead to 26 and holding off the Catamounts for a 95-82 victory Saturday afternoon at the Memorial Center.

ETSU guard Tim Smith scored a season-high 26 points and four others scored in double figures for Buccaneers, who improved to 4-0 in Southern Conference play and 12-4 overall, with a 95-82 victory over Western Carolina Saturday afternoon in front of 5,705 fans at Memorial Center.

Western Carolina (8-7, 2-3 SoCon) was led by Kevin Martin. Entering the game as the nation's leading scorer, Martin improved on his season average, now at 28.1 ppg, by scoring 37 points. It marked the 15th time he has scored at least 30-points in his career, the sixth time this season and the third consecutive game. While he was just 8-of-14 from the field, he broke a 51-year old school record by making 21 free throws (on 23 attempts). The previous mark was set in January of 1953 when WCU great Ronald Rogers made 20 free throws in a win over Appalachian State.

In the first half, the Bucs and Catamounts traded baskets until the 13-minute mark, when the Bucs gradually began to build what would become an 11-point lead at the break, 40-29. The Bucs forced 17 first-half turnovers on seven steals, allowing ETSU to build its halftime lead. Other than that, the statistics were virtually even. Both teams shot 41.7 percent from the field and 72.7 percent from the line. ETSU was only 18.2 percent from 3-point range and had 20 rebounds, while Western was only 16.7 percent beyond the arc with 19 boards.

After being down 29 with 12:01 left and to Western Carolina's credit - despite the large deficit and having both point guards fouling out in the second half - the Catamounts battled back to within 13 points at 86-73 with 2:12 left in the game thanks to a pair of free throws from guard Emre Atsur. Western was able to get its deficit to 11 twice inside the final minute, but the Bucs lead was too large and ETSU held on for the victory.

Along with Smith, ETSU's Ben Rhoda collected 18 points and Jerald Fields pitched in 17, while Zakee Wadood and James Anthony collected 11 apiece.

For Western, Martin was joined in double figures by Atsur with a season-high 16 points, while Corey Muirhead and Alex Osipovitch each scored 12 points.

Western Carolina will turn around to host UNC Greensboro Monday, Jan. 19. Tip-off at the Ramsey Center is set for 7 pm.