#7 RICHARD BLAND OUTLASTS #2 LOUISBURG COLLEGE IN THRILLER

PETERSBURG, VA, January 22, 2014- The game was similar to the story of David versus Goliath, Louisburg College ranked #2 nationally and Richard Bland came into the game ranked #7 and in their first year of competition in nearly 20 years in the NJCAA. The Statesmen proved to be giant killers even if it was just for one night, it was a huge win for the program. The Statesmen and Hurricanes battled down the stretch, but it was the Statesmen who pulled out the victory, 71-68.

The game was even through the first half with Richard Bland's largest lead was seven points with 55 seconds to go before intermission 37-30. The Hurricanes scored a lay-up off of their defensive pressure to cut the lead to five. The second half was dominated by the Hurricanes who took the lead in the first two minutes and kept the lead until Micah Thomas hit a three point basket to tie the game with 1:54 remaining in the game. The Hurricanes were fouled and Trey Brown connected on one of the two free throws to put Louisburg up by one, 68-67. The Statesmen scored on a lay-up by Tavon Mealy to take the lead 69-68 with 25 seconds remaining the Hurricanes missed their last shot opportunity and Trayvonte Brown nailed two free throws to seal the victory for the Statesmen.

The Statesmen were led in scoring by Tavon Mealy with 15 points and Micah Thomas tossed in 13 points, while Louisburg was led by Tyrice Thomas' 15 points and Trey Brown added 11 points. The Statesmen are on the road this weekend to avenge their only loss to Pitt Community College on Saturday, January 25, 2014 at 3:00 pm and Lenoir Community College on Sunday, January 26, 2014 with a tip-off time at 2:00 pm.