December 6, 2002
BOLDEN’S HOT HAND HELPS RAMS IMPROVE TO 7-3

MOBILE, Ala. – Chris Bolden’s 22 points led the Rams, as they improved to 7-3 with an 81-64 win over the Kentucky Christian College Knights. Hitting back-to-back 3-pointers midway through the first half, Bolden helped the Rams break open a game against a Knight’s team that shot 10-of-21 from downtown.

Tied 17-17 with 9:50 remaining in the first half, the Rams buried 3 consecutive 3-pointers, to open up a 9-point lead and never looked back. While the Rams hit 5-of-14 from behind the arc, the Knight’s Darnell Chatman was on fire, shooting 4-of-5 from downtown in the first half. Chatman who had 16 points at the half, went on to shoot 7-of-10 from behind the 3-point line en route to finishing with 27 points on the night.

“We didn’t do a good job with Chatman,” Coach Niland said. “He shot 10-of-15 and we knew coming in he was going to be their strong player.”

Despite Chatman’s efforts, the Rams took a 49-33 halftime lead, thanks in part to the equally hot hand of Chris Bolden who had 13 points on 3-of-6 shooting from downtown. The Rams also pocketed 9 steals and forced 15 turnovers.

“We were better in the first half,” Coach Niland said. “We did a pretty good job offensively in the first half. Chris is a very capable offensive player and he got some good looks. We were equally aggressive defensively. Our intensity in the first half was pretty good.”

In addition to Bolden’s breakout performance, the Rams were also led by Tramaine Perry’s 18 points and 13 rebounds as well as Gabriel Feagin’s 16 points.

The Knights were also led by Tom Swart's 11 points and Dustin Stakely's 10.

The Rams, who held as much as a 22-point lead in the second half will now have 11 days off until they play host to the University of Mobile Classic on Dec. 17 and 18. They open up the tournament against Central Baptist College 6 p.m. and close the tournament against Claflin University at 5:30 p.m.

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