Catamounts beat Terriers in double-overtime thriller

Catamount Forward, Justin Browning launches for a monstrous dunk, March 5, 2016. Photo by Calvin Inman

Catamount Forward, Justin Browning launches for a monstrous dunk, March 5, 2016. Photo by Calvin Inman

Calvin Inman contributed to this story

 

The Western Carolina University men’s basketball team defeated the Wofford Terriers 88 to 83 in double-overtime, Saturday, March 5, in the U.S. Cellular Center, in front of a crowd of 5,667 at the SoCon Basketball Championships in Asheville, NC.

 

The critical moment in the game came with 1:45 left in the first overtime. The Catamounts trailed 70 to 66 when guard, Mike Brown hit a deep 3 to narrow the deficit to one. The Cats fought to remain in the game and Brown converted two free throws to tie the game at 73, with 5 seconds left to send it to a second overtime.

 

“It was nothing but heart and determination in this game. We knew it was going to be a war and we were prepared for it,” said Brown.

 

The Catamounts jumped out to a quick lead in the second overtime and were able to hold on for the important victory and keep their season alive.

 

“Mike browns a winner. He’s done that his whole career. He’s very hard to guard. He came up big, “ said Western Carolina Head Coach, Larry Hunter.

 

The Catamounts were led in scoring by Brown who scored 34 points. Forward, Torrion Brummitt also added 25 points.

 

The win adds to a Catamount hot streak as they have now won 8 of their last 9 games.

Catamount Forward, Torrion Brummitt attempts a contested shot against Wofford, March 5, 2016. Photo by Calvin Inman.

Catamount Forward, Torrion Brummitt attempts a contested shot against Wofford, March 5, 2016. Photo by Calvin Inman.

The Catamounts now prepare for a match up against University of Tennessee Chattanooga Mocs, Sunday, March 6, in the U.S. Cellular Center. Tip off is at 5 p.m.

 

“We’re playing the regular season champions, the number one seed. We’ve got a monumental task ahead of us tomorrow,” said coach Hunter.