Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2007

62^nd Annual CIAA Men’s Basketball Tournament – Bobcats Arena – Charlotte, N.C.

VIKINGS PULL AWAY IN SECOND HALF TO DEFEAT LIVINGSTONE

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Elizabeth City State University used a pair of double-doubles and a late second-half surge to defeat Livingstone College, 71-54, in the first game of the 62^nd annual CIAA Men’s Basketball Tournament inside Bobcats Arena in Charlotte, N.C.

ECSU held a 32-30 advantage at intermission, but the Blue Bears scored the first eight points of the second half to take a 38-34 lead at 17:37. The Vikings, however, went on an 18-7 tear over the next nine minutes to go ahead 53-45 with 8:49 remaining.

“Tonight was a team effort,” stated ECSU Head Coach Shawn Walker. “We were able to put together good defensive stops.”

Livingstone managed to trim the margin to 54-50 on a pair of free throws by Stephen Butler at 7:25, but ECSU responded with an 11-2 run to seal the victory with a 65-52 cushion and just 2:06 left to play. “We did not value the basketball as we normally do”, said Livingstone Head Coach James Stinson.

ECSU (13-15) was sparked by sophomore Jabyron Wilson, who came off the bench for a season-high 22 points and 11 rebounds for his second double-double of the year. Fellow sophomore Anthony Hilliard amassed his 15^th double-double of the season with 15 points and 11 boards, while senior C.J. Pigford added 13 points and eight caroms for the Vikings.

Livingstone (8-20) was topped by junior center Mario Satterthwaite with 12 points, while senior guard Brent Cowles contributed 11 points and a team-best 10 rebounds.

ECSU advances to the tournament quarterfinals to play Virginia State University on Thursday (March 1) at 1 p.m.