December 18, 2002

Senior forward Michael Joseph connected on eight-of-11 field goals and scored 21 points to help The Citadel defeat Southwestern, 78-50, in intercollegiate basketball action Wednesday night in McAlister Field House.

"Mike really shot the ball well tonight," Citadel coach Pat Dennis stated. "We needed him to get going and he did, I think tonight did a lot for his confidence."

Joseph was one of three Bulldogs in double figures as forward Max Mombollet and guard Kenny Milford had 13 and 10 respectively. The Citadel's defensive pressure was again the story of the evening as they scored 30 points off of 29 Pirate turnovers.

"We forced a lot of turnovers tonight and really executed several of the defenses we have been working on well," Dennis continued. "The trap was really successful tonight because our players were so active and intense."

The Bulldogs had nine players with double-digit minutes on the night and all 14 players saw game action. One area of concern for Dennis was the rebounding as Southwestern out rebounded The Citadel 47-29.

"A lot of guys saw a good amount of playing time tonight and that is good going into the meat of our schedule," Dennis added. "I was a little concerned tonight about our rebounding as they dominated us on the glass and that is something we will adjust before we take on South Carolina State on Saturday."

With the victory The Citadel improves to 4-3 on the season and pushed their winning streak to three games. The loss pushes Southwestern to 3-4 on the season. Forward Daniel Tumis who scored 10 points led the Pirates offensively.

The Citadel returns to action on Saturday as they take on the Bulldogs of South Carolina State on Saturday at 1:00 pm in McAlister Field House. In addition to that game the United States Marine Corp will be having their "Toys for Tots" campaign and all fans are encouraged to bring a toy.