Cavs Tame Lions in Going Away Victory

November 28, 2006
Game Stats

Wise, VA – The Highland Cavaliers were shorthanded on the bench but not on the men’s basketball scoreboard Tuesday night. UVA-Wise scored the game’s opened the game with a 17-3 lead in the first eight minutes and tamed the Bryan College Lions in going away fashion, 73-51.

The Cavs (4-5) used a balanced scoring attack and solid shooting night to win their first Appalachian Athletic Conference contest. UVA-Wise minus starters Zydrunas Rackauskas and Seth Gibson and sub Pance Kecev due to injuries, saw four starters hit double figures led by Joey Blackwell’s 15-point effort. Jarred Soles had a solid all-around effort with 13 points on six of 10 shooting with six assist and five boards. Center Bryan Sexton added 13 points and seven rebounds. Cassidy Vaughan hit for 12 points and six caroms while Travis Brannon finished with nine tallies and six boards. Freshman Chris Stamper chipped in nine points off the Cavs’ bench.

UVA-Wise was challenged by Bryan (1-7/0-1 AAC) only one time. Trailing 20-8, the Lions went on a 10-2 burst to pull to within 22-18 with 6:39 in the first half. The Cavs answered right back with three-straight baskets before leading 35-23 at the half. UVA-Wise’s lead was no less than 12 points the entire second half for the 73-51 victory.

Bryan was led by Versell Wells’ 18 points and seven rebounds. The Lions shot only 32.8% from the field and lost the rebounding battle, 37-34.

UVA-Wise will travel for a rematch against Emory & Henry College Thursday night before entertaining its second AAC opponent, Covenant College, for a 7:30 p.m. battle Saturday night.