Men's Basketball Shoots 69% In Rolling Over Limestone 103-81

SALISBURY, N.C. -- Catawba sizzled on Saturday afternoon at Goodman Gym, hitting on 40-of-58 shots (69%) en route to a 103-81 victory over Limestone. The win moves the Catawba Indians to 17-6 overall and 12-2 in the South Atlantic Conference. The Saints fall to 11-13 and 6-8.

Catawba pulled away midway through the first half, turning a 22-19 deficit into a 38-26 lead over a five-minute span. Ray Kowalski keyed the run, hitting a trio of three-pointers and adding another three free throws after being fouled on an attempt from long range. His jumper at the 5:52 mark of the half put Catawba up by a dozen.

Catawba led by 11 at the break then ran out to a 23-point in the opening seven minutes of the second half as the Indians hit on 11 of its first 13 shots. Catawba had shot 63% in the first half, but were even hotter in the final half, canning 21-of-28 (75%). Limestone crept within 11 with 6:29 to play, but DeAngelo Epps canned a three and added a dunk for an 86-70 edge.

Limestone shot well also, shooting 50%, but could not keep up with the Indians, who were 11-of-19 (58%) behind the arc. The Saints enjoyed a 35-26 edge on the glass to produce a 21-10 margin on second-chance points, but Catawba out-scored the guests 24-10 off turnovers and netted 26 points on fast breaks.

Epps led Catawba with 22 points, hitting on 10-of-11 shots. Kowalski and Peyton Gerald each scored 17. Two other Indians, Kris Robinson and Jerome Bivins, also reached double figures with 11 points apiece.

Limestone's Ben Gehlert led all scorers with 27 points and added 11 rebounds. Zeb Graham and Richard Nunez each tallied 14.

Catawba will travel to Mars Hill on Wednesday for a 7:30 p.m. tip with the Lions.