Milligan snatches 20th win

Milligan College , Tenn. (Feb. 19, 2008) --- The Milligan College men's basketball team defeated UVA-Wise Tuesday night in Steve Lacy Fieldhouse 82-62. With the win, the Buffs racked up back-to-back 20 win seasons. The program has tallied a total of 12 seasons where they have won 20 games or more since 1990.

There were three Buffs that played their last game in Steve Lacy Fieldhouse Tuesday night. Joe Brown (Blountville, Tenn.) , Yoni Kifle (Alexandria, Va.) , and Josh Terry (Jonesville, Va.) all played a key role in the Buffs victory over the Cavs. Brown pitched in 10 points for the Buffs, including two 3-point baskets that changed the momentum of the game. Kifle came out strong and chalked up the first two points of the ball game, as well as nine assists. Terry hit a key 3-point basket and made crucial defense plays for the Buffs.

At the half, the Buffs were only up 35-33, but the intensity grew on Senior Night at Milligan College . The seniors played hard, but the supporting cast played harder to honor their senior leaders. The Buffs blew the game open during the middle of the second half due to the tight defense and rebounding. Milligan followed up their 48 percent shooting from the field in the first half, with 63 percent shooting in the second. The Buffs also out rebounded the Cavs 36 to 27 and forced 17 turnovers, while they only committed 11.

Sophomore Derrick Nave (Elizabethton, Tenn.) led the Buffs offensively with 20 points. Nave went 8-9 from the field and 3-4 from beyond the arc. Junior Jeff Barnes (Franklin, Tenn.) pitched in with 14 points and 18 rebounds.

“I am really happy for the seniors,” said Milligan College Head Coach Tony Wallingford . “Not only did they play well, but we were able to win for them tonight. I am proud of the guys and their effort. The second half we showed improvement on defense and on the boards, which got us going offensively.”

The Buffs hit the road Saturday, Feb. 23, to face Montreat College for their final game of the regular season. The game is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m.