Catamounts Triumph in Thrilling Showdown: In a thrilling showdown in the heart of Tennessee, Vonterius Woolbright showcased his prowess, sealing Western Carolina’s victory with a clutch performance. The Catamounts secured a narrow 66-64 triumph over Conference-USA preseason co-favorite Middle Tennessee in the Murphy Center.
As the clock wound down, MTSU rallied, erasing a five-point deficit in the last three minutes. Jestin Porter’s jumper at 18 seconds tied the game at 62. In a pivotal moment, Woolbright faced the MTSU 2-3 zone defense, slowing WCU’s interior attack. The Albany native drew a crucial foul, calmly sinking two free throws with three seconds left, propelling the Catamounts back in front.
Facing the daunting task of a full-court play, MTSU opted for a long baseball pass, intercepted by Tre Jackson, securing the road victory. This loss marked only the third in the past three seasons for MTSU men’s basketball at home in the Murphy Center.
Vonterius Woolbright, named the SoCon’s first men’s basketball player of the week earlier, continued his stellar season. He led the Catamounts with 21 points and a double-double effort, grabbing 12 rebounds, including 11 on the defensive end. Woolbright also contributed five assists and made crucial free throws late in the contest.
Supporting Woolbright in double figures were DJ Campbell with 14 points and eight rebounds, Corneilous Williams with 10 points and eight boards in his Catamount debut, and Russell Jones Jr. with seven points.
MTSU (2-1) saw Elias King lead with 14 points, shooting 4-of-16 with two 3-pointers. Porter contributed 13 points, including the game-tying basket, and led in rebounds with nine.
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WCU maintained control for most of the game, trailing for just 34 seconds against the Blue Raiders. In the first half, a closely contested battle saw six ties in the opening 10 minutes. WCU broke free with a 10-to-1 spurt, leading 29-20 at the 6:21 mark. MTSU narrowed the lead to two before halftime, with the Catamounts carrying a 37-33 lead.
The victory highlighted WCU’s resilience, overcoming challenges to secure a 3-0 start to the season. The Catamounts return home for consecutive games at Ingles Court in the Ramsey Center, facing McNeese State on Saturday, Nov. 18, and North Alabama on Sunday, Nov. 26.
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