Cougar boys weather fourth-quarter rally

By Andrew Stevens
Published in Sports on December 22, 2010 1:47 PM

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PIKEVILLE -- Up 13 points at halftime, Goldsboro appeared ready to celebrate Christmas a little early.

The Cougars nearly gift-wrapped a win for Charles B. Aycock, instead.

Goldsboro overcame the Golden Falcons' 16-0 third-quarter run and forced enough fourth-quarter turnovers for a 42-36, non-conference win on Tuesday night.

Aycock trailed 25-12 at halftime, but outscored the Cougars 17-2 in the third quarter and reeled off 16 unanswered points. Cameron Rowe knocked down three 3-pointers during that stretch.

Goldsboro's points came off Damarian Henderson's free throws.

"I'm not sure we ever woke back up," said Cougars' head coach Patrick Reynell. "I guess my kids want me to be Tony Robbins every game and motivate them. I told them you have to have a little bit in you to get up every game. It just seems like these guys don't get up too much.

"I don't know if they're out here just for fun or what. I hope they find some of that competitive desire soon because we're two games from conference play. When you score two points in a quarter you're not trying very hard."

Goldsboro ratcheted up its full-court pressure in the fourth quarter and forced seven Aycock turnovers that led to transition opportunities. The Cougars scored eight straight points and Devonte White's layup gave Goldsboro a 38-31 lead.

"I think we got a little tired there," said Aycock head coach Steve Moats. "Coach Reynell did a good job of adjusting his pressure and forcing some turnovers. That definitely turned the momentum back in their favor.

"They do a great job with their pressure and getting hands in passing lanes. They were able to turn us over and get easy baskets."

Brandon Winford's 3-pointer cut the margin to 40-36 with 21 seconds left, but the Golden Falcons could get no closer.

Rowe led Aycock with 13 points and A.J. Mundle added 11.

Robert Kornegay and Damarian Henderson scored 10 points apiece for Goldsboro.

The Cougars (6-3 overall) entertain Eastern Wayne on Monday in the Goldsboro Holiday Invitational. The Golden Falcons (1-9) visit Rosewood on Dec. 30.