Dec. 29, 2007

Final Stats

DURHAM, NC- The Elizabeth City State guard tandem of Anthony Hilliard and Olajuwon Johnson combined for 34 points in the second half to lift the Vikings past Concord University in game one of the 2007 B.C. Powder Classic hosted by North Carolina Central University.

Hilliard led the Vikings with a team high 22 points and a game best 10 rebounds, the 25tth double-double of his career, 18 of which came in the second half. A lay-up by James Bell with 38 ticks left gave the Vikings a 32-20 lead at the break which at that point represented the largest lead by ECSU.

ECSU's lead swelled to as many as 17 points in the second half however the Lions did not go quietly. Concord (4-3) connected on five second half three pointers to cut into the Viking double digit lead on five different occasions in the second half. Although the Lions did outscore the Vikings 59-52 after the intermission they failed to convert from the charity stripe shooting a dismal 52% for the game (13-25). Cordell Boyd topped all scorers with 24 points.

In his second game as a starter this season, Olajuwon Johnson netted all of his 16 points in the second half after being hampered with three fouls in the first stanza.

ECSU won the battle of the boards 41-32 and were plus eight in points in the paint 42-34.

The Vikings (5-3) will return to action on Sunday at 5:00pm when the take on Houston Baptist University in day two on the Classic. For more information on ECSU Athletics, visit www.ecsuvikings.com.