Nov. 25, 2003
Charleston, SC -
Freshman forward J'mel Everhart scored a career-high 16 points and added five rebounds to lead The Citadel past Washington & Lee, 62-44, in intercollegiate basketball action Tuesday night at McAlister Field House.
"J'mel played very hard tonight and had a couple of dunks early that got our crowd involved in the game," Citadel head coach Pat Dennis stated. "We played well tonight against a very well coached team. We still need to play a complete game in order to be ready for the Southern Conference."
The Citadel (2-0) never trailed as the Bulldogs got out to a 10-0 run to start the game. Two dunks from Everhart and six points from sophomore guard Kevin Hammack highlighted the run. Senior forward Max Mombollet chimed in with 15 points and 11 rebounds to record the sixth double-double of his career.
Washington & Lee (0-3) fought throughout the game and closed the score within 10 as they scratched their way back and forced the score to 36-31 going into halftime. The Generals struggled through the second half as the Bulldogs picked up their defensive pressure and allowed a mere 13 points.
"I thought our pressure defense really showed up in the second half," Dennis continued. "I wish we could have sustained it for the whole 40 minutes but we are still early in the season."
The Citadel forced 26 turnovers on the game and ripped 14 steals from the Generals. With the victory, Dennis ties Citadel Director of Athletics Les Robinson for first on the school's all-time win list with 132 victories during his career.
Hammack in his first action since arthroscopic knee surgery on November 5th played only 17 minutes, scored six points and added three assists.
"It was good to have Ham back," Dennis added. "He looked a little rusty and a little out of shape, but that is expected after having surgery only three weeks ago."
The Citadel returns to action on Friday, November 28th at 7 pm against Central Florida in McAlister Field House. Washington & Lee returns home to play Drew College on November 29th at 3 pm in Lexington, VA.
