Bolton keys Charleston to win over Catamounts

Mike Benton recorded 16 points and 13 rebounds for the Cougars, who took charge early in the second half. Troy Wheless had 14 points.

The Catamounts (11-13, 5-8) dropped their fifth straight game. They were led by Kevin Martin with 18 points and Kelvin Wylie with 12.

Western led three times early in the second half. The last occasion was 41-39 when Willie Freeman scored at the 16:40 mark.

Benton's layup with 16:01 on the clock gave Charleston the lead for good 43-41. He had four points in a 10-2 spurt for a 57-45 margin with 12:02 remaining.

Eight straight points, including four by Bolton upped the lead to 72-55 with 2:24 on the clock.

The game's biggest margin was 79-61 on two free throws by Bolton with 49 seconds left.

Bolton's seven points sparked a 9-2 spurt putting the Cougars on top 30-21 with 5:08 to play in the half.

Western turned things around with 14 consecutive points for a 35-30 lead at the 1:35 mark. Wylie was the catalyst with six points.

Bolton hit a three-pointer, and Benton had a follow shot sending the teams to the dressing room 35-35.

The Cougars had a 42-35 rebounding advantage. Western was led by Cory Largent with 11 boards.

Charleston shot 43.8 percent from the floor, and the Cats made 36.8 percent of their field goal tries.

The Cougars took excellent care of the basketball and committed just six turnovers. Western turned the ball over 13 times.

Completing the WCU scoring were Largent and Casey Rogers with eight each, Rans Brempong with seven, Willie Freeman with six, Kori Hatcher with three and Terrence Woodyard with two.

Western will hit the road to try to snap its skid. Games are set for 4 p.m. Saturday at East Tennessee and 7 p.m. Monday at Wofford.

Back to Sports: 02/14/02.