'Necks topple Truman State for first win
Tom Mavraganis
Issue date: 11/20/09 Section: Sports
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The victory was the Leathernecks' sixth-consecutive home-opening win.
"Really, really important," said head coach Jim Molinari. "I can't tell you enough. When you go play those two games because I want to get that part of the season past us then you come back here. Just to get a win and the way we did it. I think it was important."
"It was real important," said senior guard Quenton Kirby. "Especially coming off those two hurtful losses this (past) weekend. We really needed this one to build our confidence up."
The first half started off fast for the 'Necks. They hit five-of-eight shots to take an 11-2 lead. Truman State battled back to close the gap at 18-14. But Western closed out the first half with a 17-12 advantage, leading 35-26.
"We have to stay consistent on defense," Kirby said. "Continue to work on that (in) practice and work on our principles."
The Bulldogs jumped out of the gates to start the second half to bring the score within five points with the count 35-30. Junior forward/center Jeremy Felton regenerated the 'Necks, scoring 10 of his 12 points in the latter half. All of those points came within the first 10 minutes following halftime.
Felton was forced to leave the contest with 10:54 left due to an ankle injury.
"Jeremy is instant offensive," Molinari said. "He is going to create offensive. He gave us a great lift in the second half. I hope his ankle's not too bad."
Western got an additional boost from senior guard David Nurse. Nurse hit the 'Necks' first three pointer of the contest with 9:30 to go in the contest. The 'Necks outscored the Bulldogs 36-33 in the second half to seal the game.
On offense, the 'Necks were led by senior guards Kirby and Nurse. Kirby had 18 points and two assists.
The 18 points were career high for Kirby. Nurse chipped in with 17 points and three assists. Defensively, junior forward Arsenio Mims led the way with six defensive rebounds and four steals.
"Arsenio is the type of person you will hire," Molinari said. "He brings tremendous energy. He is instant energy. He's passionate and he talks, and he gives us extra possessions because he gets some offensive rebounds."
"I define my role to this team as the emotional leader and confidence builder," Mims said. "To be a role model to these guys when they get down (and) bring their head up and let them know everything's going to be alright. To show these guys we're one big family."
Molinari also thought the crowd played a positive factor in Wednesday's game.
"Our students were great tonight," Molinari said. "Just having our students behind us, I want to thank them. They're just huge. It gives you confidence when you look at them and see them behind you."
The 'Necks' next two games take them on the road. They visit Central Arkansas tomorrow, and they face Savannah State next Saturday, Nov. 28.
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