FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1-7-02

This Week In Armstrong Atlantic State Athletics

Monday, January 7
• Women's Basketball at UNC Pembroke, 5:30 p.m.
• Men's Basketball at UNC Pembroke, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, January 8
No Events Scheduled

Wednesday, January 9
• Women's Basketball vs. USC Aiken, 5:30 p.m.
• Men's Basketball vs. USC Aiken, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 10
No Events Scheduled

Friday, January 11
No Events Scheduled

Saturday, January 12
• Women's Basketball vs. Columbus State, 5:30 p.m.
• Men's Basketball vs. Columbus State, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, January 13
No Events Scheduled

Men's Basketball (6-4 Overall, 2-1 Peach Belt)

The Armstrong Atlantic State men's basketball team split two games in the 2001 Christmas Classic prior to the break, then returned to action after a 15-day layoff to defeat USC Spartanburg on Saturday.

The Pirates could not withstand the three-point assault of Carson-Newman in the first game of the 2001 Christmas Classic, watching the Eagles hit 12 of 25 shots from long distance in the 85-69 win by CNC. The 85 points were the most that the Pirates have given up so far this season. AASU rebounded with a win in the final game of the Classic, 58-57 over Lenoir-Rhyne in overtime. The Pirates trailed by six in overtime, but a three-point shot by sophomore Justin Wood and back-to-back offensive rebounds turned into baskets by seniors Willard Winn and Donta Humphries gave AASU the victory. Senior Bart Westgeest scored a career-high 17 points in the victory.

The Pirates returned to action after the Christmas break and were scheduled to open the spring semester against Clayton College & State on Wednesday, but a winter storm forced the postponement of the game until February 4. AASU hosted USC Spartanburg on Saturday and picked up the victory, 60-53, over the Rifles. Willard Winn scored 16 points, added seven rebounds and four blocked shots in the victory, while senior Mick Jordan scored 10 points and collected five steals. Jordan also passed David Koncul with two three-pointers, becoming the second-leading three-point shooter in school history with 146 career treys.

This week, AASU travels to UNC Pembroke on Monday, January 7 for a 7:30 p.m. matchup with the Braves, then hosts USC Aiken on Wednesday, January 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Columbus State on Saturday, January 12 at 7:30 p.m.

Women's Basketball (4-6 Overall, 2-1 Peach Belt)

The Lady Pirates lost a road game to Lenoir-Rhyne just before Christmas, but returned to pick up their sixth straight win over USC Spartanburg, defeating the Rifles, 66-52.

AASU ran into a red-hot Lenoir-Rhyne team on Dec. 19 as the Bears captured their ninth straight win with the 76-62 victory over the Lady Pirates. Junior Zandrique Cason scored 14 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, while freshman Ebony McMullen scored seven points and eight rebounds after playing just five minutes in the Lady Pirates' previous eight contests.

The Lady Pirates' scheduled Jan. 2 game at Clayton College & State was postponed until February 4 because of inclement weather, so AASU opened action in 2002 against USC Spartanburg on Saturday, knocking off the Lady Rifles by 14. Junior Shaletra Hodge led the Lady Pirates with 14 points and eight rebounds, while McMullen continued her strong play with nine points and nine rebounds. Junior point guard Marloes Renskers added 10 points, six rebounds and four assists for AASU, who improved to 2-1 in the Peach Belt Conference.

This week, AASU faces three tough games as they play at UNC Pembroke on Monday, January 7 at 5:30 p.m., then host nationally-ranked USC Aiken on Wednesday, January 9 at 5:30 p.m. and nationally-ranked Columbus State on Saturday, January 12 at 7:30 p.m.

- Pirates -