Rusty is Sharp on Game-Clinching Trey
ASHEVILLE, N.C., Dec. 16 -- Rusty LaRue's three-pointer with 1:35 remaining broke open a 70-70 tie as the Asheville Altitude held on to defeat the Mobile Revelers 75-71 Sunday.
With the win, the Altitude extended its winning streak to five games and improved to 8-6 on the season. Mobile, which came into the game sporting a four-game winning streak of its own, dropped to 8-6.
"I thought our guys really played hard today," said Altitude coach Joey Meyer. "We knew Moblie had a really good team and it's a tribute to our guys the way they responded, after playing last night in Fayetteville."
Jason Hart and Paul Grant each scored 14 points for the Altitude. Lee Scruggs chipped in with 11 points, while Johnny Hemsley and LaRue added 10 and nine points, respectively. LaRue also made the game-clinching free throws to secure the win for Asheville.
"We are playing really good together right now," said LaRue. "My teammates were looking for me on the perimeter and I was able to make a shot at a crucial time in the game."
Despite shooting a dismal 35 percent from the field, Mobile was able to stay within striking distance of the Altitude, thanks in part to the play of Isaac Fontaine. The Revelers guard scored 20 points on 5-of-11 shooting, 2-of-4 from the three-point line and 8-of-9 from the charity stripe.
"I thought we gave a good effort," said Revelers coach Sam Vincent. "They (Asheville) are a good team. Defensively, we just didn't play well early and they took advantage of our mistakes and pulled out the win."
