Nov. 15, 2005
Final Stats
WILSON, NC- The Elizabeth City State University Vikings dropped a hard fought game to the Barton College Bulldogs 80-67 in Tuesday night's season opener in Wilson, NC.
The ECSU bench played a key role the in a first half Viking run, via 10 points by senior guard Courtney Castro and 6 points by freshman Jamal Rouse, as they outscored the Barton reserves 23-11. After being down by as many as 9 in the first half of play, the Viking would dominate the Bulldogs 18-9 over the remaining 6:46 to take a four lead point at the half (40-36).
To start the second half the Viking fell victim to cold shooting and turnovers as they were held scoreless for the first four minutes while Barton came back to build an eight point lead which was capped by two free throws by Casey Moore. After the two teams exchanged baskets over the next couple of minutes, the Bulldogs saw their ten point lead chiseled down to one point as Vikings went on a 12-4 run with a little over four minutes remaining in the contest. Then back to back baskets by both Anthony Atkinson and Alejo Barovero, the first for each of which was a 3-pointer, put the Bulldogs back up by 9 points. ECSU would manage only one field goal, a lay-up by Maurice Wilkerson, over the final three minutes of play whiled Barton finished the game at the free throw line making 5 of 6 in the final minute. Barton was led by Barovero with 32 points while Atkinson added 20. The Vikings had four finish in double figures led by Ben Bridges 14 points and while Courtney Castro chipped in with13. Jamal Rouse and Mitchell Moffatt finished with 11 point apiece.
The Vikings (0-1) will travel to Atlanta, GA November 18-19, 2005. The will face Morehouse College Friday the 18th at 7:30pm and will take on Clark-Atlanta University 6:00pm on Saturday. For more information on ECSU athletics, log onto www.ecsuvikings.com.
