Dec. 1, 2007

Final Stats

Johnson C. Smith University (3-3) scrapped an 18-point lead to fall to the host Catawba Indians, 86-81 on the final day of the Walt Baker Classic. The Bulls committed 21 turnovers which Catawba converted into 27 points aiding them in the comeback victory. Junior Tavaris Little (Elgin, S.C.) exploded for 19 points on 6-of-9 shooting (4-of-7 from beyond the arc) in just 17 minutes of play.

The Golden Bulls hit on 14 of its first 18 shots going on a 25-9 run to start the contest. Catawba (2-2) made just 5-of-20, but JCSU built a 42-24 edge with four and half minutes left in the opening half. The Indians were able to cut the margin to 45-32 at the half.

Catawba, however, dug itself out of a big first half hole. The Indians made their surge to start the second half. Two three-pointers and a layup by Antonio Houston brought Catawba within 48-46 with 16:22 left and Cliff Burns gave the Indians their first lead on a jumper with 15:46 to go at 49-48.

A three-pointer by Isaac Rose and two by Dominick Reida helped push the Tribe edge to 78-65 with just under seven minutes left. JCSU would score nine straight points, getting two baskets by David Sanders (Buffalo, N.Y.) and a three-pointer by Ryan Scott (Reston, VA) to knot the game at 79-79 with 2:25 left.

Donald Rutherford would give Catawba the lead with a free throw with 1:45 to go and Houston added a lay-up after a steal by Reid for an 82-79 lead with 30 seconds left. Maurice Hooper (Reidsville, N.C.) pulled the Golden Bulls within 82-81 with 17 seconds remaining, but Houston hit two free throws with 15 seconds left to put Catawba on top 84-81. Hooper turned the ball over with five seconds remaining and the Bulls were forced to foul. Rob Fields connected on both his free throws ending the contest at 86-81 in favor of the Tribe.

Little was joined in double-figures by Scott who had 16 points and four assists. Sophomore Jerry Hollis (Charlotte, N.C.) contributed a double-double of 11 points and 17 rebounds while Hooper had 10 points.

Antonio Houston led the way for Catawba with a game high 26 points. Norman Monroe and Rob Fields added 11 and 10 points respectively.

Johnson C. Smith will be back in action on December 11, 2007 when they play host to the Shaw Bears. Game time is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Brayboy Gymnasium.