STATESMEN BLASTS BUCCANEERS TO GET BACK ON WINNING TRACK

HICKORY, NC, December 7, 2013-The Richard Bland Statesmen traveled to play regional foe Catawba Valley Community College pulling out the victory by the score of 83-74, the Statesmen's record now stands at 8-1 overall and 2-1 in NJCAA Region X.

Richard Bland was again led by the duo of Micah Thomas (21 points) and Tavon Mealy (20 points and 11 rebounds) who collected his third double-double of the season. Melvin Gregory came off the bench to toss in 10 points, returning from injury, while Avery Ugba pulled down 11 rebounds for the Statesmen. As both teams were trading baskets in the first half, Marquis Powell hit a deep three point basket from the left corner to put the Statesmen up by three, 40-37. Richard Bland led at intermission 44-42.

The Buccaneers got a lift from their point guard Darrion Evans who lit up the Statesmen defense for 29 points, with 19 coming in the first half, he connected on 5-10 baskets from behind the arc. Brandon McCarter chipped in with 12 points and Tydus Parks finished with 10.

The Statesmen will not play again until Saturday, December 14, 2013 against Tidewater Community College at 3:00 pm. The game against Potomac State has been canceled due to inclement weather in West Virginia impeding travel conditions, a date will be added to the schedule for an updated game date and time.