Box Score

Nov. 23, 2004

Final Stats

Cullowhee, N.C. - Western Carolina senior Rans Brempong had game highs with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while turning away five shots to move into a tie for second on the Southern Conference's all-time blocked shots list (now with 238), to lead the Catamounts (1-5) to a 108-64 victory over Emmanuel (1-6) Tuesday night and the Ramsey Activity Center.

The game was the home opener for Western, who was playing its NCAA Division I-leading sixth game in 10 days. Western, who never trailed in the contest, had six players score in double figures.

Brempong sank 8-of-10 shots from the field and 3-of-5 from the line in scoring his 19 points, which was his second-highest, single-game point total for his career. (Brempong scored 21 in his fifth career game back in 2000.) The 10 rebounds gave the Thornhill, Ontario, native his fifth career double-double.

Corey Muirhead had 16 points, seven rebounds and three assists versus Emmanuel.

"We did a terrific job offensively," said WCU head coach Steve Shurina. "We had 24 assists on 40 made baskets. We shared the ball well. Also, it was good for our younger guys to play through mistakes on the floor. Although it was our sixth game in 10 days, I was pleased with our effort and intensity."

While Brempong had the best overall statistics, it was the play of sophomore guard Kyle Greathouse that set the tone early. The Lancaster, Ohio, native pumped in 14 first-half points, sinking 4-of-5 shots from the field, including 3-of-4 from 3-point range, and 3-of-4 at the charity stripe. Greathouse, who only played four minutes in the second half, finished with five assists and two steals.

With the game tied at 6-6 with 16:38 left in the first half, Greathouse hit a free throw to ignite a 19-0 run over the next four minutes to make the score 25-6 and put the game out of reach.

Trey Hopkins scored doubel figures (12 points) for the first time in his young Catamount career.

The Catamounts led by 20 (50-30) at halftime and Emmanuel's Ryan Frazee sank the first basket of the second half to cut the Lions' deficit to 18. Western's Brempong answered with a layup and the WCU never dipped below 20 the remainder of the contest.

In addition to Brempong's 19 points and Greathouse's 14, Corey Muirhead chipped in 16 points, while Negus McKenna had 13, Trey Hopkins had 12 and Lunzaya Nlanduhad 11 points. Jared Outing registered eight rebounds and Muirhead added seven as the Catamounts out-rebounded the Lions 46-31.

For Emmanuel, Patrick McGowan led the way with 16 points and seven rebounds. Kevin Armstrong added eight boards for the Lions.

Western Carolina will return to action Monday night versus Montreat. Game time is set for 7 pm.