Speed's free throws help Trojan women top Coker, MOC men prevail

By From staff reports
Published in Sports on February 13, 2009 1:46 PM

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MOC Sports Information

HARTSVILLE, S.C. -- Rashonda Speed converted two free throws with 7.5 seconds remaining in regulation and regionally-ranked Mount Olive College nipped Coker (S.C.) College 85-81 in a Conference Carolinas women's basketball game Thursday evening.

Jasmine Whitby provided 23 points for the Trojans, who extended their school-record win streak to 13 games. Tomeka Prichard supplied 20 points, passed out a career-best eight assists for the second consecutive outing. Brittney Robich contributed 17 points and six rebounds, while Shequanta McGee tallied 12 of her 14 points in the second half.

Mount Olive (19-3 overall) improved to 15-2 in league play.

The Trojans led 81-73 with 91 seconds left in the game. The Cobras pulled within 82-78 on Lotta Aaltonen's 3-pointer and two free throws. After a McGee free throw, Coker closed the gap to 83-81 with 48.7 seconds to go.

The Cobras drew a foul with 9.1 seconds on the clock, but missed both free throw attempts. McGee rebounded, got fouled and sandwiched two successful free throws around a Coker timeout.

Mount Olive, ranked No. 9 in the Southeast Region poll, returns home Saturday for a contest against in-state rival Lees-McRae College. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Kornegay Arena.

Men

HARTSVILLE, S.C. -- Kendrick Easley collected a game-high 26 points as defending Carolinas Conference champion Mount Olive College dumped Coker (S.C.) College 91-67 in men's basketball action Thursday evening.

Craig Hayes chipped in 18 points, while Aaron Dobson added 16 points and eight rebounds. Mike Holloman knocked down 15 points for the Trojans, who earned a No. 9 ranking in this week's NCAA Division II Southeast Region poll.

Mount Olive (15-7, 14-1 CC) puts its nine-game win streak on the line at home Saturday against Lees-McRae College. The Trojans lead the series 23-3 since 1998 and haven't lost at home to the Bobcats during that stretch.

Tip-off is 4 p.m.