Montevallo keeps perfect record intact

Published 5:07 pm Saturday, January 9, 2010

The University of Montevallo kept its perfect record intact with a 69-49 win on the road at Georgia Southwestern State University in a Peach Belt Conference game Jan. 9.

The Falcons, ranked No. 15 in the latest National Association of Basketball Coaches Division II poll, improved to 12-0 overall and moved to 2-0 in conference play with the win. Montevallo was led by senior Tauras Dortch, who had a game-high 14 points on of 4-of-6 shooting. He was also a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line.

Junior Cecil Coleman chipped in 13 points and eight rebounds to lead the team in the paint. He was 6-of-8 from the floor. Senior Gerald January scored 11 points on of 5-of-6 shooting. Senior point guard Mark Plaza dished out five assists and scored eight points.

The Falcons outscored the Hurricanes 30-14 in the paint and used a 20-6 advantage in points off turnovers to pull away late in the game.

Montevallo opened up the game with a 17-10 run, which was capped by a layup from junior Chauncey Thompson. The Hurricanes then went on an 8-0 run to take a 18-17 lead with just 8:13 left in the first half. The two teams traded baskets the rest of the half with the Hurricanes ending up on top 33-32 at halftime.

The second half was all Montevallo as the Falcons outscored the Hurricanes 37-16 after the break. Montevallo opened the second half with a 22-4 run powered by a pair of dunks from January. The Falcons never looked back as they held a double-digit lead the rest of the game.

The Falcons will return to action Wednesday, Jan. 13 at 7:30 p.m. as they host North Georgia College and State University in Peach Belt Conference action. The Saints are 6-6 on the season and 1-1 in the PBC.