Saints outmuscle Bobcats

Leading scorer Brandon Shipman was held to just seven points in the Saints’ 102-88 victory over Lees-McRae Monday. Ledger Sports Editor

This game wasn’t pretty enough for all those whistles.

Marquintus Jones scored 23 points and Lees-McRae was called for 38 fouls in the Limestone Saints’ 102-88 victory on Monday.

The teams combined for 62 fouls, including a whopping 42 in the second half. The Saints took advantage of the referee’s whistle by hitting 40 of 50 free throws. The Bobcats shot just 69 percent from the foul line.

“They came out hot in the first half, but our defense picked it up in the second half,” Limestone coach Larry Epperly said. “They’ve got some talented players and played a very physical game. There were a lot of fouls and it boiled down to free throw shooting. When you take 50, you’ll take 80 percent.”

The Saints improve to 6-5 overall and 3-2 in the CVAC. Lees-McRae falls to 0-4 in conference play.

Tyreek Ramseur kept the Bobcats close in the first half. Despite Ramseur’s hot shooting, the Saints built a seven point lead with four minutes left in the first half.

Henri Williams tied the game with a three-pointer before Shawn Poppie dished to Sumner Benton for a hoop that put the Saints up 48-46 at the half.

Leading by one, the Saints went on an 8-0 spurt to lead 76-68.

The Saints iced the game at the free throw line.

Darrell Tate had 19 points and eight rebounds while Poppie and Alex Bailey both had 14 points for the Saints. Former Blacksburg star Ben Touchberry also posted double figures with 12.

In women’s action, the Lady Saints led by one at the half but shot just 37 percent from the field in the second half, to fall 85-69.

Jedeanna Pirtles had 18 points and Monica Adams added 14 for the Lady Saints, who fall to 1-9 overall and 1-4 in conference play.

Limestone will host Erskine in another key conference game on Thursday.