Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, February 18, 1995 TAG: 9502210018
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: CHRIS KING SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: RINER LENGTH: Medium
On the eve of their biggest game of the year, the Eagles nearly have reached the apex of the hill. The only question that now remains is whether that last step will be a treacherous one.
Playing near flawless basketball, the homestanding Eagles downed Radford 99-66. The victory set up a showdown tonight with Floyd County for a piece of the Three Rivers District crown.
If Auburn is victorious it will tangle with the Buffaloes in a playoff game next week to determine the regular-season district champion, and who receives an automatic berth into the regional playoffs.
Before the Eagles could focus on Floyd they had to tame the Bobcats, who stunned them 49-47 Monday night. On this night the Eagles were soaring, none higher than Jon Reed.
With 1 minute, 40 seconds remaining in the opening quarter, Reed took over. The senior, playing in his final home game, hit his next six shots from the field, including three from behind the arc, and scored 15 points in a span of 4:20.
``He is a very streaky player who can catch fire and score points quickly,'' said Auburn coach Kevin Harris. ``Tonight he found his rhythm.''
``After I hit the first shot I felt like I could hit the rest,'' said Reed, who scored a game-high 32 and has 980 in his career.
Unfortunately for the Bobcats, Reed was not the only Eagle on target. In the first half Auburn shot a searing 59 percent [19-32] from the field and committed only four turnovers.
``Monday night we packed in the zone and they were ice cold,'' said Radford coach Rick Cormany. ``Tonight they hit their shots [four 3-pointers in the first quarter] and that loosened it up inside. They are a talented team and you can't keep them caged but for so long."
Leading 48-23 at the half, the Eagles did not relent. At one point the Eagles scored on 10 of 11 possessions in the third quarter. Auburn committed only one turnover in the period and did not miss a free throw [8-8].
``We came out with good intensity and didn't take anything for granted,'' said Harris. ``We wanted to have a good game and be on an emotional high to help carry us [against Floyd].''
The question Auburn must answer is whether the Eagles can put together back-to-back strong performances. Which team will show up tonight?
``Hopefully the good one will,'' said Terry Millirons, who scored 22 points.
The Bobcats were led by Foster Ridpath's 18 points, 14 of which came in the second half. Chuck Hubbard and Matt Linkous added 14 apiece for Radford.
by CNB