NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Senior Carl Montgomery (Chicago, IL/Shepard) (Chicago, Ill.) recorded his second double-double of the season with 15 points and a game-high 14 rebounds as the Chicago State men's basketball team (2-8) fell to Central Arkansas (3-6), 85-73, in the first game of second-annual etech Lumberjack Classic, hosted by Stephen F. Austin at William R. Johnson Coliseum.
UCA claimed an early 6-2 lead at the 16:17 mark when junior Dewan Clayborn drilled a three-pointer from the left corner, but the Green and White scored seven of the next nine points over two minutes to gain a 9-8 lead on a layup from Carl Montgomery (Chicago, IL/Shepard).
A 30-13 scoring drive, led by nine points from senior Imad Qahwash, increased the Bears' leading margin to 38-22 with two minutes left in the half. Carl Montgomery (Chicago, IL/Shepard) and freshman Sean Montgomery (Calumet City, IL/T.F. North) (Chicago, Ill.) combined to outscore UCA, 8-2, down the stretch to pull the Cougars within 40-30 entering halftime.
CSU opened the second half with back-to-back baskets from senior Jonathon Montgomery (Chicago, IL/Northern Iowa) (Chicago, Ill.) to slice its deficit to 42-34 at the 19:01 mark. The Bears then tallied a quick 8-2 run of their own in a three-plus minute span to hike their advantage back to 52-36 at 15:52 following a layup from senior Carlos Dos Santos. Thanks to a 16-9 scoring drive over six and a half minutes, the Cougars closed within nine points at 61-52 following a Sean Montgomery (Calumet City, IL/T.F. North) put back on an offensive rebound.
A three-pointer from junior Mark Rutledge at 8:23 propelled UCA to a 22-12 scoring run of its own under six minutes to claim its biggest lead of the game at 83-63 with 2:30 left in the contest. The Green and White finished the game with a 10-2 run down the stretch for the final margin.
Sean Montgomery (Calumet City, IL/T.F. North) produced season-high numbers of 13 points, eight rebounds and four blocked shots for CSU. Martin finished with 10 points on 5-of-9 shooting from the field and seven rebounds.
Rutledge paced Central Arkansas with a game-high 19 points. Senior Mike Pouncy and junior Chris Henson each contributed 13 points off the bench. Qahwash recorded 12 points and junior TK Smith added 11 points for the Bears.
CSU faces host Stephen F. Austin in its final game of the classic tomorrow night with the opening tip set for 7:15 p.m. Fans can view the game via GameTracker by clicking on this link.
~CSU~
