Jan. 9, 2008
TOWSON, Md. (AP) -- Gerald Lee scored 19 points and grabbed eight rebounds and Old Dominion never trailed en route to a 71-59 victory over Towson.
Old Dominion had three other players reach double figures in scoring, including Darius James (15), Abdi Lidonde (10) and Brian Henderson (10).
Lee and the Monarchs (8-8, 3-1 Colonial Athletic Association), forced the Tigers into tough shots early, and didn't allow Towson (5-9, 1-3) to get on the board until the game was nearly six minutes old. Old Dominion stretched the lead to as many as 10 points late in the period and took a 30-21 lead into the half.
Towson opened the second half on a 12-5 run, cutting the Old Dominion lead to just two points at 35-33 with 15:59 remaining after a pair of Vernon Carr free throws.
The teams traded baskets over the next 90 seconds until James was fouled and went to the free throw line.
The Monarchs put the game out of reach with 7:25 left after Henderson made the second of back-to-back threes to make the score 63-49.
The Tigers were led by C.C. Williams, who had 15 points and five assists, and Jon Pease chipped in 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Old Dominion now leads the all-time series against Towson, 18-1, including 10 straight victories since its only defeat in 2002.
ODU shot .510 (25-49) from the field, while the Tigersshot .368(21-57).ODU outrebounded Towson, 36-27. The Monarchs also dished out 21 assistsand committed only 12 turnovers. Brandon Johnson led with six assistsfor ODU.
The Monarchs return to CAA Play Saturday night at the University ofDelaware. Game time is 7 p.m. and will be televised live on WSKY4in Hampton Roads.