Buffs rise over Cobras

Milligan College, Tenn. (Dec. 1, 2007) --- The Milligan College men's basketball team (8-1, 2-0) squeaked out a win Saturday afternoon in AAC play against the Cobras of Virginia Intermont (5-3, 1-1). The Buffs beat the Cobras by a final score of 85-82.

With a two point advantage at the half the Buffs knew they had to come out firing in the second half in order to remain blemish free in the AAC. The game was close for all of the second half, and even too close for comfort for most Milligan hopefuls.

The Buffs were down by one point with less than a minute remaining on the time clock when junior Tyler Estepp (Limestone, Tenn.) hit a jumper at the top of the key, which gave the Buffs the one point advantage. The Cobras went down the floor with hopes of making the go ahead basket, but a missed attempt and a rebound from junior Jeff Barnes (Franklin, Tenn.) would discourage the hopes of the home team. Barnes made the outlet pass to sophomore Danny McKeehan (Morrow, Ohio) and McKeehan was fouled on the spot which sent him to the foul line. McKeehan made both free throws to put the Buffs up three points with only a few seconds remaining. The Cobras went down and jacked up a 3-point basket, but the rebound went into the hands of Estepp while time expired.

McKeehan continued to play big for the Buffs scoring 23 points and pulling down seven rebounds. Barnes pitched in 20 points for Milligan, while grabbing seven rebounds as well. Freshman Davis Warner ( Smyrna , Tenn. ) was the last Buff in double figures with 10 points.

“It was a very exciting game,” said Milligan College Head Coach Tony Wallingford. “We were a little disappointed defensively because we allowed them to stay in the game with their shooting. They continually made big shot after big shot to keep it close throughout the ball game. We played well enough to win and I am glad that we got the road win and we are ready to get back in action at home on Tuesday.”

The Buffs play host to AAC rival, King College , Tuesday, Dec. 4, in Steve Lacy Fieldhouse. The game is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m.