Catamounts cruise past Eagles, 141-39

James Sinclair. Photo: Doug Powell

Fans wanted tacos. The Catamounts delivered.

James Sinclair scored 16 points and grabbed a team-high 13 rebounds as the Western Carolina Catamounts cruised to a 141-39 victory over the Toccoa Falls Eagles on Tuesday night.

“James (Sinclair) has a lot of potential,” said WCU head coach Larry Hunter.

The 102 point margin of victory was a Western Carolina men’s basketball record and the 100 point plateau meant that fans at the arena will receive free tacos on Wednesday courtesy of Rolling Stone Burrito.

Eight Catamount players reached double figures on the night which included six non-starters. They were led by Trey Sumler with 18, Sinclar 16, Sam Smithson 14, Keaton Cole 13, Ishmael Hollis 13, Tom Tankelewicz 11, Kenny Hall 10, Tawaski King 10, and Preston Ross 10.

“I thought we had a good mindset coming into tonight’s game,” Hunter added.

The Catamounts, who led 72-17 at the break, never trailed in the game, and held their opponent to 28 % from the field (33 % from three) and forced 27 turnovers. Meanwhile Western Carolina shot 58 % from the field and only had five turnovers on the night. The Catamounts had 24 assists and 62 rebounds, which were both season-highs.

Western Carolina returns to action on Saturday when they play at Appalachian State in Boone, N.C.  Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m.