Dec. 18, 2006

Final Stats

Cullowhee, N.C. - After a 1-for-14 shooting performance two nights ago in a loss at Dayton, Western Carolina junior guard Antonio Russell scored 21 points, making 9-of-12 shots from the field and 3-of-4 from 3-point range, and dished out a career-high seven assists to lead the Catamounts (5-4, 2-0 Southern Conference) to an 82-63 victory over The Citadel (2-8, 0-2 SoCon) Monday night at the Ramsey Activity Center.

Overall, Western, who shot 59.6 percent from the field and 57.1 percent from 3-point range, had four players in double figures as the Catamounts were coming off a four-game road swing and ended a three-game losing streak. In addition to Russell, freshman Nick Aldridge scored 19 points, making 7-of-8 field goal attempts, and pulled down seven rebounds, while Negus McKenna contributed 14 points off the bench and junior Arnold Gore added 13 points.

The Catamounts additionally dominated the boards, holding a 34-21 advantage, while handing out 23 assists on its 31 made baskets with six players having at least two helpers.

"I think Antonio (Russell) played very unselfishly and is making great decisions right now," said WCU head coach Larry Hunter. "He is playing his best basketball since I've been here. Also, Negus (McKenna) provided a spark offensively, while Brigham (Waginger) brought energy, especially on the defensive end."

The Citadel was led by 19 points from Kevin Hammack and 15 from Donny McLendon.

Western Carolina scored the first four points of the game, but The Citadel answered with a 13-3 run to take a six point lead. Midway through the first half, the Catamounts caught fire from 3-point range, making four straight from beyond the arc, including two from McKenna, during a 14-3 WCU run giving the Cats a lead it would not relinquish the remainder of the contest.

The Citadel was able to keep the contest close over the next several minutes, but 3-pointers by McKenna, Russell and Aldridge pushed Western's lead to 11 (33-22) at the 5:07 mark. Demetrius Nelson answered with a layup to cut the Bulldog deficit back to single digits, but Western closed the first half with a 7-0 run, including a layup by Russell with six seconds left, to lead 40-24 at the break.

The Citadel came out in the second half and tried to control the tempo by working the shot clock, keeping a manageable deficit. Holding a 12-point cushion (60-48) with 11:25 left in the contest, Western started to gain separation, starting with a Waginger 3-pointer. Over the next three minutes, the Cats pushed their advantage to 22 and were able to cruise the rest of the way. Western's largest lead of 25 points, came at the 4:32 mark on a Russell layup.

McKenna, who missed a season high by just two points, was 5-of-6 from the field, including 4-of-5 from 3-point range. For the Bulldogs, Bryan Streeter contributed nine points, making all four field goal attempts, and had a team-high five rebounds.

Western Carolina will return to action this Thursday (Dec. 18), hosting the College of Charleston at 7:00 pm.