Keaton Cole. Photo: Doug Powell
Keaton Cole broke a Western Carolina Catamounts men’s basketball record Thursday night and helped the Catamounts win a crucial game against the Samford Bulldogs, 79-77.
Assistant coach, Anquell McCollum’s record of 99 three pointers in a single-season was broke by Cole who hit 100 for the year on a season-high nine, three pointers and led the Catamounts with 28 points.
“Cole and Boggs both were big for us especially in the first half. In the second half they made adjustments, but we did a good job overall,” said head coach Larry Hunter.
The Catamounts made an unprecedented 17 three pointers, 12 in the first half, led by Cole who made 9-of-12 from behind the arc.
Harouna Mutombo had 19 points and seven rebounds. Brandon Boggs scored 14 while Trey Sumler added 12 points and 10 assists.
The Bulldogs were led by Drew Windler with 27 points. Rajon Kelly and Tyler Hood both added 13 for Samford.
Winners of three-straight, Western Carolina (13-17, 7-10 SoCon) swept Samford and now shift their attention to Appalachian State.
“We know we have to get better, but we are getting a little bit smarter and tougher here at the end. We have to get a good night’s sleep, have good preparation tomorrow, cut loose, and get ready,” Hunter said.
The Catamounts still have an outside shot at finishing tied for second in the North Division and earning a first-round bye at next month’s conference tournament. WCU will need to win Saturday while both Elon and Samford will have to lose out.
Tip-off against the rival Mountaineers will be Saturday at 2 p.m.
