HAMPDEN-SYDNEY, Va. -- Virginia Wesleyan College's men's basketball program has enjoyed a productive history of players who step up in pressure-packed situations.

That history was extended Wednesday as the Marlins overcame an 11-point deficit in the second half and scored key points in the final seconds to record a thrilling 79-73 victory over the host Tigers of Hampden-Sydney College in Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) competition.

Virginia Wesleyan recorded its fifth straight over H-SC, third straight at H-SC's S. Douglas Feet Center, and 16th in the last 20 meetings with the Tigers. While the Marlins improved to 11-3 overall and 4-1 in the league, Hampden-Sydney dropped to 9-5 overall and 3-2 in the ODAC.

The victory set up a big game on the home court on Saturday, Jan. 18 for the Marlins.  VWC will host current undefeated league-leader Guilford College at 2 p.m.  The Quakers are 5-0 in the league and 11-3 overall.

For now however, the Marlins will continue to reflect on Wednesday's win, which required some big-time contributions.  Like five straight points by junior Cameron Owens (Centreville/Centreville) to tie the game and give VWC the lead with 1:19 remaining.  His scores sandwiched a pair of free throws by Khobi Williamson (Norfolk/Maury) gave the Tigers their last lead of the game at 73-71.

There was also a crucial jumper by senior All-AmericanD.J. Woodmore (Virginia Beach/Landstown) with 21 seconds remaining to push a VWC led to 76-73, followed by a huge steal by junior Greg Montgomery (Virginia Beach/Princess Anne) on H-SC's inbounds play following Woodmore's score.

The Tigers fouled to try to get the ball back, and it almost work, as Woodmore missed the front end of a bonus situation.  But, senior Aaron Clark (Chesapeake/Virginia Beach Tallwood) grabbed the rebound for VWC and drew a foul.  He hit both free throws and the Marlins led 78-73 with 10 seconds to play.

A three-point shot by the Tigers missed the mark in the waning seconds and Montgomery rebounded and drew a fouled. He hit one of two free throws to give VWC its' final margin of victory.

A crowd list at 1,200 saw the home team open up a 43-32 lead on a Williamson layup with 18:45 remaining in the game.  But, Woodmore hit a triple and scored five straight points to ignite a 14-2 Virginia Wesleyan run that put the Marlins in the lead at 46-45 with 14:02 on the clock.  Sedric Nady (Virginia Beach/Landstown), Colby Heard (Virginia Beach/Tallwood), Trent Batson (Lewes, Del./Cape Henlopen), and Khory Moore (Arlington/Wakefield) all scored in the go-ahed run.

Virginia Wesleyan went on to build a six point lead three times in the following minutes.  But, H-SC rode an 8-2 surge to tie the game at 69- all with 2:37 on the clock.  The Tigers did not grab the lead however, until Williamson hit his free throws with 1:43 remaining to give H-SC a 73-71 edge.

Owens' three-pointer followed seconds later for the Marlins and Virginia Wesleyan never trailed again.

Clark had a major impact on the outcome for VWC, posting his most productive game as a Marlin.  He scored a career-high 21 points, hitting 6-of-9 from the field, highlighted by a career-best 5-of-8 triples.  He also connected on 4-of-4 free throws, pulled down three rebounds, dished out three assists, and had two steals.

Woodmore also finished with 21 points, hitting 5-of-9 triples.  He recorded five rebounds and recorded four assists.  Owens tallied 14 points, hitting 5-of-8 shots overall, including two triples. Ranked as one of the nation's top three-point shooting teams, the Marlins only bolstered their position by nailing 12-of-25 long-range attempts. 

VWC helped itself by edging the Tigers in rebounding, 33-32, led by Heard's seven boards. Williamson finished with nine for H-SC.

Williams and Mike Murray (Norfolk/Norfolk Christian) led H-SC scoring with 16 points each. Mitch Ownes (Williamsburg/Walsingham) added 13 points and JaVonte Reddick (Richmond/L.C. Bird) finished with 10.

--AMDG--