March 11, 2009
Updated 32-game B-CU Stats/Scores (17-15, overall)
Contact B-CU SID Mark Johnson (386) 481-2006 -
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C -
MILESTONE WIN AT MEAC - B-CU BEATS UMES 52-47 MAKING LATE PLAYS DOWN THE STRETCH - WILDCATS 17TH WIN OF SEASON
Next Play Norfolk State University in Quarters (Thursday, 6 p.m.)
B-CU Coach Clifford Reed has said many times - players make plays - and Wednesday at the MEAC Conference Tournament - his players made the plays in the final minutes for a 52-47 win over Maryland-Eastern Shore in the first round of the tournament.
"I knew it was going to be a difficult game and it is tough to beat a team three times in a season, "said Coach Reed. "We have been in a lot of close games and we showed a lot of character and toughness down the stretch. C.J. (Reed) played great in the end scoring key baskets and hitting four straight free throws when we needed them."
In the game, the teams were tied at halftime 23-23. The contest had 10 lead changes and the score was tied 10 times in a very competitive and even-matched MEAC first rounder.
C. J. Reed scored a game-high 22 points and had four assists, 14 of the points in the second half with the `Cats winning a close game vs. UMES for the third time in 2008-2009.
"We know each other well and they played us a tough game up there and we knew they would be ready for us," said C. J. Reed. "We had to match their intensity. I was nervous early but got over that quickly."
Senior John Holmes did not play up to his standards and only scored two points and three rebounds in 27 minutes - but a key defensive rebound late in the game by Holmes helped preserve the Wildcat win.
"I wanted to make my statement (at the end) and my teammates helped me out tonight - I wasn't playing my best game, "said Holmes. The Wildcats (17-15) out rebounded UMES (7-23) 39-30 with senior Kevan Creppy leading the way with 7 boards.
"Special Group Of Guys" - Win School Division I Record 17th Game......will have the first winning season-ever in B-CU, NCAA Division I history (since 1980 beginning of Div. I play)
"This is a special group of guys, said Coach Reed. "They play hard. They made history and really don't know they have as I didn't want to put any extra pressure on them and talk about the first Division I winning season. I am proud and elated with them and we have more games to go - a tough one next with Norfolk State."
The 2009 MEAC Tournament continues through Saturday - B-CU plays next vs. Norfolk State University, 6 p.m. Thursday night.
