Marlins Get Payback in Thrilling 73-72 Victory over No. 20 Roanoke

ROANOKE, Va. -- The Virginia Wesleyan College men's basketball team enacted a measure of revenge Saturday afternoon as the Marlins were able to knock off No. 20 Roanoke College 73-72 en route to obtaining sole possession of first place in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC).

Much like the first meeting between the two squads, Virginia Wesleyan maintained solid control throughout the first half. Down two after a Cameron Smith layup, the Marlins went on a run that started after a three-point basket from Khory Moore at the 14:37 mark. The 13-4 spurt would prove to be pivotal as it put the Marlins ahead for the remainder of the half.

Roanoke wouldn't go away in the second half though, as they fought back little by little and was able to wittle down VWC's lead. The Maroons were finally able get over the hump on a John Fitchett layup and took their first lead since the 15:09 mark of the first half going up 48-47. This would turn out to be the last time the Marlins went down in this contest, as two possessions later Kaelin Poeturned a steal into a breakaway dunk to give the Marlins the lead again. 

The game once again got interesting down the stretch. After Khalil Barnette's two free throws put Virginia Wesleyan up six points with 1:45 left to go in regulation the Maroons would counter with a 6-0 run, which culminated on a Joey Miller drive in which he was fouled and preceded to calmly sink both free throws and knot the game up at 72 with 28 seconds left in regulation. 

With the game tied, the Marlins put the ball in the hands of Moore who had been having a monster night up until this point. After running the clock down to eight seconds Moore took a hard drive to the basket and Roanoke fouled him, putting him at the line with four seconds left in the contest.  Moore would make the first, putting the Marlins up 73-72.  He would miss the second with Miller grabbing the rebound and racing up the court, but his attempt at winning the game fell short however, as a group of Marlins swarmed him causing him to lose the ball as time expired.

Much of Virginia Wesleyan's success can be attributed to the advantage it had on the glass. The Marlins outrebounded Roanoke 51-32 with 25 of those coming on the offensive glass, resulting in numerous second chance opportunities. 

Roanoke (15-4/7-3) had a balanced attack led by Miller and Caldwell who each finished with 14 points. They also had three other players finish in double-figures. 

The Marlins were led by an explosive performance from Moore who finished with 31 points on 11-18 shooting to go along with a career-high five steals. Aaron Sturdifen also had a career day with 12 points, while also collecting seven rebounds, all of which were on the offensive end as Poe had a game-high 12 rebounds. 

Virginia Wesleyan (13-6/8-2) returns home for an ODAC battle with Randolph College (10-9/4-6) Wednesday at 7 p.m.