Posted: Feb 19, 2011
SALEM, Va--- Roanoke topped Bridgewater, 84-75 on Senior Day Saturday afternoon at the Bast Center. The Maroons improved to 11-14, 7-9 in the ODAC, while the Eagles fell to 8-17, 4-12 in conference play.
Roanoke swept the season-series with Bridgewater after defeating them 108-98 in a double-overtime thriller earlier this season. The Maroons now hold a 102-32 lead in the all-time series between the two long time ODAC rivals.
The Maroons held a 48-36 advantage in the rebounding category, including a 12-3 edge on the offensive end. RC shot 45% from the floor and outscored Bridgewater, 20-3 in second chance points and 37-23 in bench scoring.
A Kyle Hammond jumper gave the Eagles an 11-4 lead just four minutes into play. The Maroons responded, going on a 12-3 run over the next six minutes of action to take a 16-14 lead. The two teams continued to trade baskets for the next couple of minutes tying the score twice. Leading by two with less than two minutes to play, Roanoke closed the half on a 6-2 run to take a 40-34 advantage into the locker room.
Melvin Felix (Caguas, Puerto Rico, Salem) took over at the start of the second period, catching fire and poured in 10 points in just under four minutes. The senior captain connected on two triples during the decisive stretch to push the lead to 52-37. Kyle Hammond tossed in 19 points in the second half to keep Bridgewater in it, but the Eagles were never able to come any closer than three.
Roanoke honored seniors Matt Crizer (Covington, VA, Alleghany) (11th all-time in career three-pointers made), Corey Poindexter (Pulaski, VA, Pulaski County/Hargrave), Terrell Johnson (Fredericksburg, VA, Riverbend), Joey Leech (Elliston, VA, Eastern Montgomery), and Felix (23rd all-time in career scoring) prior to tip-off.
Felix led the Maroons with 21 points off 7-of-14 shooting, including 2-of-3 from behind the arc to pass Jared Butler (Springfield, VA, West Springfield) to move into 23rd place on the all-time scoring list. Logan Singleton (Roanoke, VA, Hidden Valley) added 18 points and 13 rebounds for his fifth double-double of the year. In the month of February, Singleton has averaged 19 points and 10.5 rebounds.
Jack Hamilton (Arlington, VA, St, Stephen's St. Agnes) chipped in nine points and eight boards on the night, while Zach Barrett (Roanoke, VA, Hidden Valley) posted career-highs of eight points and four rebounds. Poindexter and Kwasi Amponsah (Woodbridge, VA, Garfield) contributed nine points apiece on the contest.
Hammond paced Bridgewater with 29 points off 10-of-16 shooting, including 5-of-8 from distance and added six rebounds to his hot hand. Cody Griffith added 16 points and four boards as they were the only two players in double figures for the Eagles. Rick Maloney chipped in with five points and six boards.
With the win Roanoke clinched the number seven seed in the ODAC Tournament. The two teams will square off again in the first round of the tournament at the Bast Center in Salem, Tuesday Feb. 22nd. Tip-off is slated for a 7:00 p.m. start.
