Second Half Shooting Dismantles Blue Bears in 59-63 Loss to Benedict

(Salisbury, NC- November 15, 2006)

At Livingstone’s home opener against Benedict College in a packed gymnasium (1,009), the Blue Bears impressed its fans with a solid first half performance. Livingstone led by as many as 19 points and ended the half with a 29-19 lead. Unfortunately, the second half was full of disappointments as the Blue Bears surrendered its advantage and fell to the tigers of Benedict 63-59.

Livingstone led the first half with an overall field goal percentage of 47.8% to Benedict’s 16.7%. Junior Michael Duncan (Cleveland, OH) led LC with eight points, while sophomore Landon Bussie (Baltimore, MD) led with seven rebounds, all defensive. Benedict led in free throws with 69.2% to the Blue Bears 40%.

The Blue Bears increased its lead to 18 halfway through the second quarter before things began to fall apart. With five minutes remaining in the game, Benedict – down by 11 -turned two turnovers into five points. Within the comeback drive, Marcus Carroll nailed three three-pointers to bring the Tigers within a one point deficit. The final two minutes of the game relied on free throws. With the score tied at 58 with 1:28 remaining, Benedict connected on three of four free throws while Livingstone shot poorly from the charity stripe at two of six.

Michael Duncan led Livingstone with a total of 15 points, followed by senior Brent Cowles (Charlotte, NC) with 12 points. Bussie led with 11 rebounds, 10 defensively. Livingstone led in field goal shooting with 43.2% to Benedict’s 33.3%.  Free throws were the key to the Tigers victory. Benedict finished at 71.4% (20 of 28) while Livingstone struggled at 50% (20 of 40). LC had a total of 24 turnovers to Benedict’s 20.

The Blue Bears will participate in this weekend’s Catawba’s Roundball Classic. The Blue Bears will face Georgia College & State at 6:00 pm in Goodman Gymnasium. Livingstone will face Allen on Saturday at 2:00 pm.