
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, March 3, 1990                   TAG: 9003032666
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: C3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: JOHN SMALLWOOD SPORTSWRITER
DATELINE: ASHEVILLE, N.C.                                 LENGTH: Medium

PRESTON'S PLAY IN POST PICKS UP VMI

In listening to the VMI coaches discuss strategy for the Keydets' first-round basketball game with Tennessee-Chattanooga in the Southern Conference Tournament, freshman forward Lewis Preston knew a post player would have to step up and have a big game.

He didn't have any idea it would be him.

Preston came of the bench when starter Lennon Mings got into early foul trouble and finished with nine points, six rebounds, five blocked shots and two assists in VMI's 83-69 win Friday.

"I came into the game saying I just didn't want to go home tomorrow," said Preston, who played at Franklin County High. "I just wanted to be a factor on defense, but I think in scouting us, [UTC] didn't take our post play seriously. They let the post have a lot of open shots."

Preston took advantage by sinking four of five shots, which helped open scoring opportunities for Damon and Ramon Williams, who combined for 46 points.

VMI assistant coach Pete Strickland "told us the post players were going ot have to do something or they were just going to overplay on the twins," Preston said.

Preston entered the game with 13:47 left in the first half and contributed immediatedly, rebounding a missed free throw by Damon Williams and making the follow.

In the second half, Mings picked up his fourth foul and center Mark Craft his third with more than 15 minutes remaining in the game. Again, Preston came off the bench and did something positive.

He forced a UTC turnover and followed with a layup. Preston's bucket started a VMI run in which the Keydets made 14 of 16 shots to turn a 43-38 lead to 78-64 with about four minutes left.

Preston contributed six points and four blocks during that 10-minute stretch. He also was effective playing behind UTC scoring leader Derrick Kirce in VMI's triangle-and-two defense.

"Lewis Preston came in an did some really good things for us," VMI coach Joe Cantafio said.

by CNB