By Dave Morrison
Mountain State will try to make it a perfect 10 when it travels to Bluefield to take on Bluefield State in the Currence Classic.
The game is a rematch of an earlier game at the Beckley Raleigh County Convention Center, won by MSU 109-66.
But MSU coach Bob Bolen is taking nothing for granted.
“It was a two-point game with four minutes left in the first half,” Bolen said. “You can’t play like that in someone else’s gym and expect the same kind of outcome.”
What happened in that game is the Cougars exploded in the second half for 62 points in taking the game under control.
“We played really well in the second half,” Bolen said. “We need to come out and jump to an early lead.”
The Cougars must also find a way to slow down Raylon Almon, who had 33 points in the first game.
“He’s an explosive scorer,” Bolen said. “He showed that in the first game. We need to find a way to at least slow him down.”
Bluefield State, Bolen’s alma mater, also played a pair of former Woodrow Wilson players, Rico Thompson and Justin Cook, in the first game.
The Cougars are led by NAIA preseason All-America Nick Aldridge, who is averaging 21.1 points per game and eight rebounds. He also has 34 assists, second on the team.
All five starters are in double figures.
Marcus Hunter, who has scored 48 points in the last two games, is averaging 13 points and Andrew Lee 12 points and 8.9 rebounds, which leads the team.
Barry Wellington averages 10.7 and Winston Robinson 10 points.
Alvin Mitchell averages 12.7 but he has attempted just one shot in the last two outings.
