MEN'S BOBCATS SWEEP WEEKEND'S REGION X BLASTOFF

The 4-0 Bobcats headed to Southern Pines, NC this weekend for the Region X Blastoff. They matched up first against the Central Carolina CC Cougars, a team they met and defeated in last year's Region X Blastoff.

The first 8 minutes of the contest were back and forth with both teams trading baskets and the Bobcats lead 12-10. The Bobcats turned up the pressure and went on a 15-0 run over the next 5 minutes to take a 27-10 lead. The double digit lead was maintained throughout the rest of the half and the Bobcats took a 41-26 lead into the break.

The Cougars started the second half off with a run of their own, outscoring the Bobcats 17-5 in the first 5 minutes of action. This cut the lead to 46-44 with the Bobcats still leading. The Bobcats were able to bring the lead back up to 10 with 10 minutes remaining in the game. Over the next 6 minutes the lead was increased to 16. The Bobcats were able to hold off a run from the Cougars and earn an 83-71 victory.

The Bobcats were led by Greg Heckstall who finished with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Jaron Burnell also finished with a double-double, scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds.

In the second matchup of the Blastoff the Bobcats faced off against their toughest opponent of the season to date in Davidson County CC. Both teams being selected in the preseason rankings for their respective divisions.

The first 8 minutes of the game were back and forth with both teams exchanging baskets and the Bobcats led 12-9. Over the next 4 minutes the Bobcats fell behind 15-18. A 21-14 run by the Bobcats to end the half gave them a 36-32 lead.

The Bobcats were able to maintain a small lead through the first 7 minutes of the game, leading 50-45. With 6 and a half minutes remaining in the game the Bobcats led 56-50 in a back and forth game. Davidson County was able to tie the game up at 58 all over the next 3 and a half minutes. Greg Heckstall hit a clutch 3 pointer with 2:51 remaining the give the Bobcats back the lead at 61-58. The Bobcats were able to remain unbeaten by defeating Davidson County 67-66 in their closest game of the season.The Bobcats defense held their opponent 48 points under their average of 114 and handed them their first loss of the season.

Greg Heckstall led the way with 16 points and 5 rebounds. Jaron Burnell finished with 10 points and also had 5 rebounds. Jaleel Ferguson was the leading rebounder on the day with 7. A'Kanni White led the Bobcats in assists with 6.