University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Eagles Win Behind Carter's 3-Point Barrage
12/22/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
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Final Game Statistics
Eagles Win Behind Carter's 3-Point Barrage
HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- After going cold in the final 10-plus minutes against LSU on the road Saturday, Southern Miss bounced back with a vengance at home tonight against first-time foe William Carey, cruising to a 91-59 win over the crosstown NAIA opponent.
Clement Carter had a career night with 30 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Golden Eagles to the win, in front of a season-high 4,458 at Reed Green Coliseum. Carter finished with nine 3-pointers in the game, seven in the second half, posting career bests in both points and rebounds. Charles Gaines also had a double-double, adding 21 points and 10 rebounds.
"I thought we did a lot of nice things, but (Carey) also did a lot of nice things," Southern Miss coach James Green said. "But once we got the lead, it was difficult for (Carey) to play in that position.
"Our guys responded well in the second half. In the first half, we were a little lethargic. We came right out in the second half and got that going. We asked Clement to give us some leadership, and he gave us that."
After opening with a 10-point lead through the first half, Southern Miss (6-3) exploded in the start of the second, running to a 21-point advantage in the first two minutes. The Golden Eagles continued the pressure, taking advantage of a 38-7 run through the 12:24 mark in the game. Carter came up big in the run, connecting on seven straight threes. Southern Miss led by as many as 39 twice in the game, the last coming with a 79-40 advantage with 8:58 remaining.
Carter?s 3-point performance was among the best in school history, second only to Bernard Haslett?s record 10 3-pointers made against Memphis in 1993.
Jaeson Maravich led Carey (3-9) with 17 points. Braxton Robins added 16.
The Golden Eagles finished with four players in double figures. Jasper Johnson had 14 points and Jarekus Singleton added 10. Dante Stiggers dished out a game-high eight assists.
The game also marked the first time the two teams have met on the basketball court, despite residing within five miles of each other.
"I think the adrenaline that came out of the stands from both schools was really good," Green said. "It was a great atmosphere."
Southern Miss jumped out to the 32-22 lead at the break, paced by Jasper Johnson?s 10 points. Robins also had 10 points to lead Carey in the opening half.
Following tonight's game, Southern Miss will take a short Christmas break, return to practice late Christmas Day, and return to action with a Dec. 30 game at Auburn.