Bulldogs shake off frustrating start

By Kristina Lawless
Staff Writer

The Wingate University Bulldogs (11-8, 4-4 SAC) pulled out a much need win over the Lenior-Rhyne Bears (3-15, 1-7 SAC) tonight in Cuddy Arena. The Bulldogs won 70-60. This won stopped a losing trend having lost three in a row. “Nothing was wrong with the team, we did not have injuries, we were just not winning,” said head coach Brian Goode.

The Bulldogs seemed to get off to a shaky start taking almost five minutes to score in double digits. In the end three Bulldogs; Larry Staley, Odell Turner, and Jaime Vaughn, scored in double figures. “As I told some of the guys, I guarantee a win. We had to win no ifs, ands, or buts,” Senior forward Larry Staley said.
The frustration in the first half seemed evident on the bench on both the players’ and coaches’ faces. “We had to come out and play strong, play hard,” said Staley. Play the Bulldogs did. The Bulldogs turned the ball over only 14 times compared to 18 turnovers committed by the Bears.

The game took a definite positive turn when the Bears’ freshmen center, Matt Kunz fouled Sophomore Jamie Vaughn on a three point shot. The crowd was reenergized by Vaughn’s four point play. In the second half the Bulldogs were tied with the Bears only once and never lost the lead.

“However you play the first minute is how you will play the last,” said Staley.

The Bulldogs are again in action Saturday against SAC rivals Lincoln Memorial University.