Nov. 13, 2005

Final Stats

Blacksburg, Va. - Western Carolina, who led 23-20 at the half and trailed by five with just under nine minutes, fell victim to a 15-4 to drop a 54-40 decision to host Virginia Tech at the 2005 NABC Classic. Jamon Gordon (11 points) and Zabian Dowdell (10 points) each drained 3-pointers during the run to help seal the victory. Markus Gordon, who scored 11 second-half points, led a scorers with 13.

Western, who was plagued with foul trouble early, did not back down from the trouble and played tough defense to limit The Hokies (2-1) only made three field goals in the first 20 minutes, shooting just 16.7 percent (3-of-18). The Cats also kept Virginia Tech without a field goal over a 11:20 span in the first half, with the Hokies sinking seven free throws over the span. Western, led by Jared Outing's seven first-half points, made 8-of-18 shots form the field (44.4 percent). However, the Catamounts (1-2) would be whistled for 15 first-half fouls as the Hokies made 13-of-17 free throws to keep the game close.

Western would have only taken a one-point lead into the locker room at the break, but David Berghoefer made a tip-in off an inbounds pass with four-tenths of a second left for the 23-20 halftime lead.

Virginia Tech opened the second half with a 9-0 run, taking a 29-23 lead, and never surrendered the lead the remainder of the game. However, the Cats kept the game close, trailing by five (37-32) after an Antonio Russell layup. Sailes answered with a layup of his own to start the 15-4 run.

For Western, Berghoefer, who had four steals, came off the bench to score 11 points and grab eight rebounds. Outing, who hit his first career 3-pointer, added eight points and six boards, while Negus McKenna scored six.

The Catamount will return to action Friday, Nov. 18, for its season home opener. Western will host South Carolina at 6:00 pm. Please check back with catamountsports.com throughout the week for more updates on the game.