Dec. 21, 2007
ROCK HILL, SC--Freshman guard Darius James scored a career high 19points and senior guard Brandon Johnson added 14 points in the Monarchs,(6-6) 62-59 loss at Winthrop (6-5) Friday night.
The Monarchs trailed, 31-21 at halftime and 53-39 with 6:31 remaining, butMade a furious rally and had a chance to tie as time ran out when BrandonJohn's trey rimmed out with two seconds left.
ODU cut the score to 59-57 with 1:20 left after a trey by Jonathan Adams, butTaj McCullough came back with a basket for Winthrop to make it 61-57. JamesWas then fouled on a three-point attempt. He hit two to make it 61-59. Andy BuechertThen hit one of two free throws with nine seconds left.
James, who made his first start of his collegiate career scored 12 points againstRichmond and had only three at the half tonight. In the second half James nailed three more treys as well as five of six free throws to help the Monarchs rally.
Brandon Johnson hauled down seven boards, dished out four assists and cameUp with four steals for ODU. Jonathan Adams added nine points and a game highEight rebounds., while Gerald Lee scored ten, blocked two shots and hauled inSeven boards.
The Monarchs shot .333 (8-24) from the floor in the first half and .392 (20-51)For the game. The Monarchs outrebounded Winthrop, 37-29. The Eagles scored21 points off of ODU's 20 turnovers, while the Monarchs scored 13 points offof 16 Eagle turnovers. ODU shot .238 (5-21) from beyond the arc.
Winthrop had four players in double figures, led by Taj McCullough with 14, AntwonHarris with 13, Michael Jenkins with 12 and Chris Gaynor with 11. Winthrop shot.458 (22-4) from the floor.
The Monarchs break for Christmas and return to action on Dec. 29 at UAB.