FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 12-6-03

Men's College Basketball: AASU 75, Elizabeth City State 68

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. – The Armstrong Atlantic State men’s basketball team defeated host Elizabeth City State, 75-68, in the final of the R.L. Vaughan Invitational in Elizabeth City, N.C., on Saturday evening.

The Pirates jumped out to a 44-35 halftime lead on the Vikings (4-3) and held on for the seven-point victory. AASU shot 48 percent from the field, including hitting 6-of-15 three-pointers, as the Pirates improved to 8-1 on the season. It is tied for the fifth-best start in AASU men's basketball history with the 1995-96 season, when AASU also went 8-1.

Senior forward Daryl Williams scored 25 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead the Pirates, earning Tournament MVP honors. Senior Brian Bain chipped in 18 points and was also named to the All-Tournament team, while freshman Bryan Taylor added a season-high 14 points. Elizabeth City State was led by Jonathan Harris' 23 points.

AASU will break for final exams and be next in action as they host the 2003 AASU Christmas Classic on Friday, December 19, and Saturday, December 20. AASU will host NCAA Tournament participants Eckerd and Lenoir-Rhyne during the Classic.

-Pirates-