Dec. 5, 2007
PENSACOLA, Fla. - Charles Bouie and Kenny Holmes were on fire for the Argonauts, as they rallied their team from down 13 points at halftime, to win 70-63. Bouie was all over the shooters from the Cougars as he blocked six shots, but it was three consecutive rebounds in the final minute, and then converting on four free throws to seal the win. Meanwhile, Kenny Holmes was everywhere as he had a game high and season high 17 rebounds, to go along with a game high 22 points.
Head Coach Don Hogan was pleased with the second half, "we held them to 24 points in the second half, and we finally out-rebounded someone. I think our match up Zone caused problems for them, and then Kenny (Holmes) and Charles (Bouie) each had a monster game."
West Florida was down 39-26 at halftime, after the Cougars out-scored the Argonauts 15-6 in the final four minutes of the half, including hitting a three pointer as the first half buzzer sounded. The Argonauts won the game in the first five minutes of the second half, and then sealed it in the final minute. West Florida came out to start the second half on a 16-0 run, and the Cougars could never regain any momentum.
For Kenny Holmes, seven of his 17 rebounds were on the offensive end, and he commented about his play, "I just go all out, and leave it all on the floor. We were 0 for our last three games, and we needed to raise our intensity level and get a win." For Charles Bouie, he discussed his defense, "I just listen to the coaches, and play help side defense. I stay on my feet, and it is easier to get blocks that way." Bouie ended the contest with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and six blocked shots.
Ryan Henry and Holmes started the second half run by each hitting a three pointer and the team fed off the energy. Rod Doss helped keep the Argonauts in the contest with 12 points in the first half. Doss commented on helping the team, "I needed to step up, and my teammates kept giving me the ball and I kept shooting. I had a couple of bad shooting games, so I needed to get on track."
With the Argonauts trailing 47-44, Tyler Fleming stepped in for a steal and took it coast to coast for a layup, and then just minutes later, Fleming jumped in for another steal and lead Deondre Boynton for a fast break lay-up to put the Argos up 52-49. With the score 66-63, the Cougars missed a free throw, and Bouie got the rebound and went to the foul line for the first of his three trips, and his four free throws extended the final score to 70-63.
West Florida improves to 3-3 on the season, while Columbus State dropped to 3-4 on the year. Corris Portis led the Cougars with 20 points, but his team was out-rebounded 55-44 by West Florida. The Two teams will play a rematch on Saturday in Columbus, Georgia.
