Jan. 16, 2005

Final Stats

Greensboro, N.C. - David Berghoefer had a double-double (19 points and 12 rebounds) and Rans Brempong tied a school record with seven blocked shots, but Western Carolina could not overcome a slow first half start to drop a 66-54 decision at UNC Greensboro Saturday night at Fleming Gym.

Spartan freshman forward Kyle Hines, who ranks second in the nation in blocked shots, recorded his conference-leading seventh double-double of the season with 20 points and 12 rebounds, while adding four rejections.

Western Carolina made its first shot of the game, a layup by Corey Muirhead at 19:27, and then proceeded to miss its next 16 shots from the field. The Catamounts also committed six turnovers during a 10:02 scoreless span. It was not until the 9:25 mark when Berghoefer made a lay-up that Western Carolina scored again. Before that, UNCG had scored 15 unanswered points.

Western Carolina closed to within seven with an 8-2 run, but UNCG scored 11 of the final 16 points of the half to take a 13-point lead into the locker room. The Cats only shot 20 percent (6-of-30) from the field in the first half and were 0-of-7 from 4-point range. While struggling offensively, the WCU defense was tough, holding the Spartans to just 30 percent shooting in the first half and 33 percent for the game.

UNCG took control midway through the second half and opened its largest lead of the game. Leading 36-24, the Spartans went on a 13-5 run, capped off by Josh Gross' three-pointer, to give UNCG a 49-29 advantage.

The Catamounts went on a run late to make things interesting. Trailing by 18 with 3:08 to go, Western scored nine of the next 12 points to close to within 12 with 1:09 to play. But UNCG made 4-of-6 at the line in the final minute and Hines added a dunk to put an exclamation point on the victory.

Along with Hines' 20-points, Burrell added 11 points, while Ray Bristow chipped in 14 points and three steals.

For the Cats, Antonio Russell scored 10 points, marking the fourth time in five SoCon games the freshman has scored in double figures. Muirhead had 10 rebounds and eight points.

Western Carolina will return to action on Wednesday (Jan. 19), hosting SoCon South Division leader Davidson at 7:00 pm.