MOC beefs up schedule

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on November 18, 2013 1:48 PM

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MOUNT OLIVE -- That which makes you weak, makes your stronger.

It's a simple adage that's already proven significant for the Mount Olive College on the basketball court this season.

The Trojan men are 3-1 with road victories over three in-state foes -- defending South Atlantic tournament champ Wingate, Queens of Charlotte and Elizabeth City State.

An early start date and the loss of two conference teams forced the Trojans to fill four voids on their schedule.

"I don't like playing that many games before the Pickle Classic because the Pickle Classic is usually our kick off (to the season)," MOC head men's coach Joey Higginbotham said. "But with the NCAA bumping up the start date (of regular-season play) up, it's kind of hard to sit there for two weeks and not play any games."

MOC entertains St. Augustine's during opening-round play of the Pickle Classic on Friday. The Trojans play Virginia State on Saturday.

Coming off an NCAA tournament appearance, MOC head women's coach Wendy Lee loaded her non-conference schedule with several quality opponents. The Trojan women (1-2 overall) opened the season with a loss to Lander, stunned Peach Belt member USC Aiken and dropped a two-point decision to SAC foe Newberry on Saturday.

MOC is playing a mid-December tournament at Rollins (Fla.) College that includes a date with Bluefield State (W. Va.).

"(The schedule) is a carryover from where we finished (last season)," Lee said. "We felt like we needed to continue and start the season that way. The bulk of the schedule are repeat teams with the exception of Lander, Aiken and the tournament in Florida.

"We wanted to carry over the level of difficulty. We want to be playing those great teams late, but want to be playing them early, too. We have to get our minds right and be ready."

The Trojans entertain Elizabeth City State on Saturday. Tip-off is noon at Kornegay Arena.