Pfeiffer men top MOC

By MOC Sports Information
Published in Sports on January 15, 2009 1:46 PM

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MOC Sports Information

MISENHEIMER -- Kendrick Easley collected a season-high 34 points, tied a school record and nearly drained the game-winning shot as Mount Olive lost 96-95 to in-state rival Pfeiffer University on Wednesday evening.

Easley intercepted an inbounds pass at halfcourt and his 50-foot attempt was off the mark as the horn sounded. The preseason All-American candidate shot 17 of 21 at the free throw line, tying the school record for made free throws set by Elton Coffield during the 2005 NCAA Division II East Regional.

Mount Olive (6-7 overall) suffered its first Conference Carolinas defeat in six outings this season. Pfeiffer snapped a two-game skid in league play after back-to-back losses against league-leading Barton and Coker (S.C.) College.

Craig Hayes finished with 14 points and a team-high seven rebounds for the Trojans. Teammates Derek Staton added 12 points, while Melton chipped in 11 points. Staton and Melton recorded three steals apiece.

Easley scored 21 points in the second half.

The Falcons built an 80-75 lead with seven minutes left in regulation. Hayes scored and Easley converted a conventional three-point play to create an 80-80 deadlock.

Mount Olive, behind Justin Foskey's 3-pointer, answered with an 8-0 surge and climbed within 93-92 with 92 seconds remaining on the clock.

The Trojans made a defensive stop and had a chance to regain the lead, but turned the ball over and the Falcons converted on their end. Mount Olive missed a 3-pointer and Pfeiffer hit a single free throw eight seconds left to make it a two-possession game.

Staton hit a 3-pointer with 1.5 seconds left and the Trojans called a quick time out. Easley intercepted Pfeiffer's inbounds pass after the timeout and his last-second heave missed the rim as time expired.