FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, 12-21-99

Cougars Control Pirates, 52-43

Courtesy College of Charleston Media Relations

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Leighton Bowie scored 16 points while Jody Lumpkin collected his fourth double-double of the season, scoring 10 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, as the College of Charleston defeated Armstrong Atlantic State, 52-43, in men's basketball action on Tuesday night at the John Kresse Arena.

James Griffin scored 11 points in his home debut as a Cougar, which helped the College of Charleston improve to 5-2. Freshman Troy Wheless had a career-high four assists and three steals in the contest. Mick Jordan led the way for the pirates, now 4-6, with 12 points on four-of-six shooting from three-point range.

AASU led the Cougars, 17-8, with eight minutes until halftime, but Charleston closed out the first half on a 17-3 run to take a 25-20 lead into the intermission. The Cougars continued their stingy defense in the second half, holding the Pirates to 32.1 percent shooting (9-of-28) from the floor and an overall 34.7 percent (17-of-49) for the game. The Cougars did not fare well themselves, shooting 32 percent (8-of-25) in the second half and 37.3 percent (19-of-51) for the game.

The Pirates break for Christmas but will return to action on Thursday, Dec. 30 in an 8:00 p.m. contest at Valdosta State

- Pirates -