By Brenda June Temple

1/13/2024

BOX SCORE

https://catamountsports.com/boxscore.aspx?path=mbball&id=14906

Russell Jones Jr., Vonterius Woolbright lead WCU with 14 points

Macon, Ga. – Russell Jones Jr. and Vonterius Woolbright led a trio of Catamounts in double figures with 14 points apiece as Western Carolina used a balanced offensive attack and solid defense to score its ninth-straight victory, claiming Saturday afternoon’s low-scoring affair over Mercer, 64-52, in Southern Conference action at Hawkins Arena.

Jones Jr. connected on six of his 10 field goal attempts including a pair of 3-pointers while Woolbright tallied his NCAA lead-tying 14th double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds to guide the Catamounts to their eighth road win of the season. Woolbright added a team-high four assists. Tre Jackson finished with 10 points, reaching double figures with a pair of late free throws that helped solidify the win.

Mercer is (8-9, 1-3 SoCon).

Western Carolina returns home on Tuesday, Jan. 16, with a special 6 p.m. start time to host the current league co-leading Samford Bulldogs in a nationally televised match-up on the CBS Sports Network (check local listings; DIRECTV Ch. 221; Dish Ch. 158). Samford (14-2, 3-0 SoCon) hosts VMI (3-13, 0-3 SoCon) on Saturday evening in Birmingham ahead of the much-anticipated match-up in Cullowhee.

WCU will celebrate former Catamount great Ronnie Carr who made the first 3-pointer in college basketball history back in November 1980 during next Tuesday’s home date. Carr will be recognized during a special on-court halftime ceremony. Tickets for Saturday’s game are available online at CatamountSports.com/BuyTickets.

Keep track of everything related to Catamount men’s basketball and WCU Athletics through our social media outlets on Facebook (fb.com/catamountsports), Instagram (@catamountmbb @wcu_catamounts), and Twitter (@CatamountMBB @catamounts).

COURTESY WESTERN CAROLINA ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS