January 18, 2003

Junior forward Max Mombollet converted 17-of-19 free throw attempts and totaled a career-high 21 points and 12 rebounds to lead The Citadel past Western Carolina, 83-69, in Southern Conference basketball action Saturday afternoon in McAlister Field House.

"We played really hard tonight and were able to control the game on both ends of the court," Citadel head coach Pat Dennis stated. "Max played well today and was solid at the free throw line all day."

Of Mombollet's 21 points, four came on field goals, while the remainder were all via the free-throw line. Mombollet's 17 free throws was the third highest total in Citadel history. Junior guard Erick Wilson and freshman guard Dante Terry each scored 16, while senior forward Clyde Wormley added 11.

"We shot fairly well today, Dante and Erick were both good today," Dennis added. "Erick and Dante hit some timely threes that really helped us control the tempo of the game."

In a game ridden with 59 fouls The Citadel connected on 42-of-54 charity shots and out-rebounded the Catamounts 40-37. With the victory The Citadel improves to 6-9, 1-3 in the SoCon, while Western Carolina falls to 4-11, 1-3 SoCon.

"Overall our team played well we just put the other team on the foul line way too many times," Western Carolina head coach Steve Shurina stated. "Kevin Martin had made 42 straight free throws coming into the game and missed five tonight. We just have to do a better job defensively and cut down on the fouls."

Western Carolina's Kevin Martin led all scorers as he totaled 27 points and five rebounds. Forward Jared Outing led the Catamounts with eight rebounds. Outing, Martin and center Rans Brempong all fouled out for Western Carolina.

The Citadel takes to the road on Tuesday, January 21st as they take on Georgia Southern in Statesboro, while Western Carolina returns home to take on arch-rival Appalachian State on the same date.