| Nov. 22, 2003 UTSA rebounds to score 68-52 win over VMI in second round of the Top of the World Classic FAIRBANKS, ALASKA – LeRoy Hurd scored 23 points as UTSA posted its first win of the season with a 68-52 victory over the Virginia Military Institute Keydets in the second round of the Top of the World Classic played at the Carlson Center. The Roadrunners (1-1) placed two in double figures, as Justin Harbert added 11. Freshman Kurt Attaway added eight points and four assists for UTSA. VMI, which fell to 0-2, was led by Levar Joseph with 12 points. “It was a huge win against what I thought was a very good ball club,” said coach Tim Carter. “After what happened two nights ago and to be able to come back and get a ‘W,’ I’m very proud of them. If you have guys who understand the importance of carrying out a game plan, they’ll be focused and today I thought we were focused.” UTSA dominated the first half and led 35-13 at halftime as Hurd led a balanced attack with eight points, while Harbert and Anthony Fuqua had six apiece. The Roadrunners never trailed in the game and built an early 15-3 lead as Hurd had six points in the first six minutes of the game. VMI connected on only four-of-31 first half field goal attempts in digging themselves a 22-point halftime deficit. The 13 points scored by the Keydets was the second-ever lowest half total by a UTSA opponent, and was only one point more than the current record of 12 scored by Ouachita Baptist in 1998. Trailing by as many as 30 points, 48-18 with 13:49 remaining, VMI rallied behind nine second half 3-point field goals to close within 16 points, 64-48 with 2:24 left. “First of all I was fresh,” said Hurd, who was limited to only 15 minutes before fouling out in UTSA’s loss on Thursday to Alaska-Fairbanks. “I was able to stay out of foul trouble today and play most of the game. I thought we played well and with purpose today.” UTSA’s defense caused 25 Keydet turnovers and led to many easy points for the Roadrunners which shot 44.2% from the field for the game. UTSA will return to action on Sunday, Nov. 23 in the third round of the Classic against the winner of the Binghamton-Idaho State game to be played later on Saturday. Sunday’s game will tip off at either 4:30 or 8 p.m. CST and can be heard live at SportsJuice.com. |