[Men's Basketball] Cavs withstand Rams in overtime victory
Bluefield, Va. – Four Cavs scored in double figures while two posted double-doubles as Montreat survived an overtime victory against Appalachian Athletic Conference opponent Bluefield College Saturday evening. Montreat stands at 16-4 (19-5 overall) with two conference games remaining on the regular season schedule.
"This was a great win for our program, and I'm really proud of the guys for overcoming adversity on the road," said head coach Garrett Jones. "Bluefield is very talented and we had to get some big stops to win this one."
In a tight game, Montreat consistently held the lead throughout the first frame and the first half of the second frame. The Rams didn't see a lead until they briefly went up by one twice within the same minute in the second half.
In the latter part of the second half, Eric Reed scored 11 straight points for the Cavs while only allowing the Rams six points in that span to put Montreat ahead by six with four minutes remaining. Bluefield came back to tie the game on what would be the last score of regulation, a three pointer with two minutes remaining.
Free throws were the difference maker in overtime as 10 of Montreat's 17 points in the period came from behind the charity stripe. The Cavs outscored Bluefield 17-11 to hold on for the win.
Eric Reed posted a career-high 18 points to lead his team in scoring from the bench. He also had four boards.
Nicodemus Payne, Alonzo Mobley, and Jeron Hemphill were the other three Cavs in double figures with 15, 13, and 12 points respectively. Payne and Hemphill also pulled down 11 rebounds each to record double-doubles.
"This sets up for an exciting week for our program and school," said Coach Jones. "Regardless of what happens, I'm proud of this group for being in this position, but I know they are excited about the challenges that are in front of us."
Up Next: The Cavs open their final week of regular season play when they visit Toccoa Falls for a late-season nonconference match-up on Tuesday, Feb. 12.