Wednesday, January 24, 2007

WINGATE MEN HOLD ONTO SHARE OF FIRST PLACE WITH 82-72 WIN AT TUSCULUM

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. --- Sean Barnette led five Wingate University players in double-figures with 22 points, including 16 in the second half as the Bulldogs defeated host Tusculum College 82-72 Wednesday night at Pioneer Arena.

Wingate (13-4, 6-1 in South Atlantic Conference) remains in a first place tie in the league standings, while recording its sixth consecutive victory. The Bulldogs halt a four-game losing skid to Tusculum and post its first win in Greeneville in four years.

Barnette completed a double-double with 10 rebounds, while Bryan Grier added 14 points, 12 boards and added to his nation leading total with seven blocked shots. On the night, WU posted 11 rejections.

Tusculum had four players in double-digit scoring, paced by Jordan Lear's 19 points, including five 3-pointers. Gabe Story had a career double-double with 18 points and 15 rebounds off the bench, while Larry Minnefee and Chris Poore finished with 14 and 12 points, respectively.

SAC Player of the Week Justin Baker added 16 points, eight rebounds and a game-high six assists for Wingate, while Bill Smith accounted for 11 points and Shaun Strickland posted 10 markers in the win.

Tusculum returns to action Saturday afternoon as the Pioneers travel to Mars Hill College for a 4 p.m. contest. Wingate will also be on the road Saturday night in a first-place clash with Lenoir-Rhyne beginning at 8 p.m.

- TC -