CONWAY, SC -- VMI Basketball came up empty in its quest for its first road win of the season as Coastal Carolina completed the season sweep of the Keydets with a 60-44 win at Kimbel Arena, Sat., Feb. 14. With the win, CCU goes to 12-12 and 7-6 in Big South Conference play, while VMI drops to 5-18 and 3-9 in the league. Coastal's seven league wins ties the most under head coach Pete Strickland, set during the 1999-2000 season, and are the most since the Chanticleers went 10-8 in the Big South in 1993-94.
Coastal scored first on a layup by junior Clint Nagel in the first minute, but both teams struggled on the offensive end early, with VMI leading 11-8 with 11:36 to play in the first half. However, Coastal went on a 13-0 run over the next 5:27, capped by senior E.J. Gallup's three pointer, to go up 21-11 and never look back.
After leading 25-16 at the intermission, the Chanticleers opened the second half on a 8-1 run to go up 16 and eventually built the lead to as much as 19 at 44-25 with 6:16 to go in the game. VMI went on a small run of 8-0 over the next 1:54 to bring it back to 44-33 but could get no closer down the stretch.
Gallup led Coastal's offensive effort with 14 points, while Nagle posted his first career double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds. Sophomore Pele Paelay also added 10, as all 13 Chants saw playing time. VMI was led by senior Radee Skipworth, who was the only Keydet in double figures with 14 points.
VMI fell to 0-13 away from Cameron Hall this season, 0-10 in road games and 0-3 in three neutral games played in Fairbanks, Alaska in the Top of the World tournament in November.
Coastal is next in action, Mon., Feb. 16, as it hosts Radford at 7 p.m., while VMI heads south to take on Charleston Southern, who defeated Radford, 71-46 earlier today, also Monday at 7 p.m.
Junior center Tim Allmond returned to the lineup starting lineup Saturday night, but reinjured an ankle that sidelined him three games in early January and is questionable for Monday night's game at Charleston Southern.
VMI head coach Bart Bellairs - "The numbers were like the last time we played them (Jan. 26, 32-49 loss). They had 40% from the field, 9% from 3-point range, and 71% from the line. Those defensive numbers are good enough for us to win, but on our side we didn't take care of the basketball and we didn't turn it over in their press but maybe one time, but again it was some poor decisions in our halfcourt, but really it was our shooting. The difference was offensive rebounding and free throw shooting tonight. We were eight of 20 after going eight for nine Wednesday night. Obviously, Tim Allmond getting hurt (ankle) didn't help us. We had some shots inside, it was in and out again.They also hurt us with 16 offensive rebounds. We're going to have to regroup, especially with Tim's situtaion. We're so snakebit. He gets the start and was actually doing some pretty good things, and then he gets hurt again. We'll see how he does. Matt Murrer had a really rough night. He only played 13 minutes because he was in foul trouble. Next game, he's going to have to probably play 38 if we have a chance to win.
Box score
Portions of story courtesy Coastal Carolina sports information.
