#4 STATESMEN DROP SEMIFINAL GAME IN OVERTIME TO WAKE TECH

HICKORY, NC, March 8, 2014- Despite a great season for a first year basketball program, the #2 seed Statesmen (27-4) fell in overtime to #3 seed Wake Technical Community College (22-10), 74-73.

Not many programs place two student-athletes as the national player of the week, not only crack the national polls but hold the number one spot for over a month, place two first team all region members and a third team performer, and win 27 games in their first year. Although the goal was to win a national championship, the Statesmen continued to overachieve and experience success and place Richard Bland College on the NJCAA map.

Melvin Gregory led the Statesmen in scoring with 20 points and seven rebounds while hitting four 3 pointers. Tavon Mealy tossed in 18 and grabbed seven boards and Avery Ugba flirted with a double-double with 10  and eight rebounds to his credit. The Eagles were led by Lamont Martin with 23, Josh Mellette had 18 Waymond Wright added 12 and Jason Lee contributed 10.

On behalf of athletic director and head coach, Chuck Moore, the entire coaching staff and team would like to thank the Richard Bland community, administration, faculty, students, and fans for a great season.