Maryville jumped out to a thirteen-point lead in the first half due to outstanding three-point shooting. The Scots were 7 for 14 (50%) from beyond the arc before the half. As both teams entered the lockerroom, Maryville had a 36-29 advantage.
Randolph-Macon coach Mike Rhoades was worried about the first half deficit. “We never had a steady rhythm to our offense. The MC defense kept us thinking about making big plays instead of just chipping away.”
The Scots faced a tough task in the second half. Maryville’s Head Coach Randy Lambert confirmed that the “Cooper Crazies’ got to see a great effort by both teams. “The fans got to see 40-minutes of intense basketball.” “The difference in this game was our ability to knock down the three in critical situations.”
Randolph-Macon, ranked #14 nationally, shot 52% in the second half. They were led by Jim Silcox and Justin Wansley with 12 points each. Stephen Sutherland tallied 10 points, while post player Kurt Bergmann recorded 9 points and 10 rebounds. The Yellowjackets finish the season with a 23-5 record.
Maryville, ranked #22 nationally, had five players in double figures. Senior Jeff McCord came off the bench with 17 points, three assists, and four key steals. Post player Walden Buttram paced the Scots with 14 points and 8 rebounds. Monte Calloway, Sidney Ellis, and Bobby Golden each tallied 11 points respectively.
Maryville will advance to the sectionals on March 12 and 13. An opponent will be announced on www.ncaasports.com