Posted: Feb 18, 2012
Rocky Mount, N.C. - On Senior Day in Everett Gymansium, the Battling Bishops never trailed en route to an 82-60 victory over Ferrum College in the regular season finale for both squads. The decisive victory secured the #2 seed for Wesleyan in next week's USA South Conference Tournament. Prior to the tip, head coach John Thompson honored the seven senior members of his 2012 senior class: Domarius Thomas, John Kostet, Devin Nichols, Matt Dougherty, Alex Murray, Justin Griffith and Ric Yarbrough.
Griffith quickly got the Bishops on the board by netting a three-pointer on Wesleyan's first possession. The trey was followed by a Murray dunk, while Dougherty got in on the action next with back-to-back jumpers.
With the score later tied at 10-10, Murray ignited the crowd with yet another thunderous dunk to give NCWC a 12-10 advantage, and after four straight made free throws, Nichols followed a Dougherty three-pointer with a jumper of his own to put the Bishops on top 21-10. Thomas would score 10 of the Bishops' final 12 points of the half for a 35-27 NCWC lead at the break.
With the score later tied at 10-10, Murray ignited the crowd with yet another thunderous dunk to give NCWC a 12-10 advantage, and after four straight made free throws, Nichols followed a Dougherty three-pointer with a jumper of his own to put the Bishops on top 21-10. Thomas would score 10 of the Bishops' final 12 points of the half for a 35-27 NCWC lead at the break.
Wesleyan quickly pulled away in the second half, putting together a 10-2 run to open the period. The Bishops went on to shoot a solid 56 percent from the floor over the final 20 minutes of play to secure the 22-point win.
Thomas finished with a game-high 22 points, while Murray had 16 and Dougherty 12.
For Ferrum (13-12, 6-6 USA South), Marcus Mayo turned in 13 points and dished out seven assists.
As the 2nd seed, Wesleyan will host the 7th-seeded Hornets of Shenandoah University, whom the Bishops swept during the regular season. Tip-off is slated for 7:30pm on Tuesday night in Everett Gymansium. For more information on the 2012 USA South Conference Tournament, please visit http://www.usasouth.net/championships/mbkb/index.