Four players score in double figures on the night

The WTAMU men’s basketball team played its final home game of 2010 Dec. 20 against Northeastern State at the First United Bank Center in Canyon. 

WT jumped out to an early lead, and survived a late charge from the Riverhawks to claim a 63-53 victory to remain undefeated on the season at 11-0.  This marks the third best start to a season for the Buffs. 

In the first half, WT held a 3-2 lead at the 16:45 mark.  NSU stormed back to lead 6-3 with 15:03 remaining before halftime.  The Buffs then took control and led 14-6 with 12:03 left in the half.  Things started to look bad for NSU when WT held a 33-17 lead at the 3:51 mark. 

Going into the locker room for halftime, the Buffs held a commanding 37-19 lead. 

NSU though, began their comeback as the second half began, going on a 9-0 run to trim the Buffs’ lead to 37-28 with 16:02 left in regulation.  WT held strong though, maintaining their lead throughout the half.  But, with 6:05 left, NSU threatened again pulling within four points at 53-49. 

WT eventually iced the game thanks to some late free throws and came away with a 63-53 victory. 

Leading the scoring on the night for the Buffs was senior Joe Mincey with 20 points followed by fellow senior LaDarius Hall with 17 points.   Senior Jaciquiese Holcomb scored 11 points on the night with fellow senior Alex Davis chipping in 10 points. 

A huge reason for the Buffs’ victory was their free-throw shooting.  In the first half WT shot 66 percent from the line, and was perfect in the second half.  This gave them an overall percentage of 88 for the game. 

WT will now take an extended break for the holidays before returning to action Jan. 6 against Southeastern Oklahoma State.  Tip-off from Bloomer Sullivan Arena is set for 8 p.m. in Durant, Okla.