Davidson 74, Georgetown 70

Last night before the game

Claire on Facebook

Her status update: Heartbroken for the Wildcats but grateful to the seniors for a great 4 (or 5) years and proud of the freshmen. Excited to see good friends and celebrate #30 with the Davidson family tonight!

Cats on Main

Three thoughts for now

1. Davidson lost 15 games this year, including this one, not only because of the loss of the kid who’ll play across town tomorrow night for the Golden State Warriors but also the loss of the coach who spent this afternoon coaching his ass off down on the other end of the court.

2. Speaking of No. 30: So no appearance for him to watch his former teammates and classmates and roommates here in the conference quarters. That’s too bad. Would’ve been a cool moment for the school. Would’ve been a cool moment for him.

3. Steve Rossiter, Bryant Barr, Will Archambault, Dan Nelms: Steve was a captain, Will was a 1,000-point scorer, Bryant hit those threes in Detroit. Steve and Bryant were on the court when Jason took the shot. That happened. They were a part of it.

SCT: Elon 66, Davidson 59

AP:

CHARLOTTE -- Chris Long scored 15 points, including four clutch free throws in the final minute, as Elon beat Davidson 66-59 on Friday in the first round of the Southern Conference Tournament.

Longs free throws were apart of a 6-0 run to end the game after the Phoenix led 60-59 going into the final minute.

The victory moved Elon (9-22), the sixth seed in the SoCon North, into a Friday quarterfinal matchup against Western Carolina. The Phoenix’s win over Davidson avenged a 99-96 double overtime loss on Feb. 27 after the Wildcats hit two 3-pointers in the final 3 seconds.

Observer: Six days after stunning Elon by hitting two 3-pointers in the final three seconds to steal a double-overtime victory at Elon, the Wildcats couldn’t summon the same escape magic. Burlington: That’s what Elon did, never wavering despite the rippling drama and the weight of history during what became a 66-59 first-round upset victory in Davidson’s backyard at the Southern Conference Tournament for men’s basketball. Winston: Matt Matheny embraced Bob McKillop near midcourt at Bojangles Coliseum yesterday, just moments after the student topped the teacher in the opening game of the Southern Conference Tournament. DavidsonWildcats.com: Elon ended a 15-game losing streak against Davidson, including three games in the SoCon Tourney. McKillop: “This team has a lot of tournament experience, but it doesn't have a lot in the roles they're playing now.” Also in his presser: “Matt Matheny has done a fantastic job all year long, and that doesn’t surprise me.” Video: Matt after the game.

Senior night from press row

Lauren:

And years from now, when I think back on this senior class, and when I watch them play in their final SoCon championship in a few weeks and receive their diplomas a few months later (should I get a B.A. or a B.S.?), it won't ultimately be the basketball that I'll remember. It'll be the reasons I am able to say yes, this really is that special of a place, to the so many people that have asked me over the years since the run of 2008. The notes on my desk when I'm "late" for work. The heys from the hallways. The post-game high fives. The pranks. The SID lunches. Dart games and photo shoots. SIDIOTY applications. The graduation announcements. The wedding invitations. I have watched over the years as these four have transformed from shy freshmen into team captains and homecoming kings and ambassadors for the game and the kind of people that leverage their influence to raise thousands of dollars for malaria in Africa.

Just my way of saying, Thanks guys. Make us proud the rest of the way, in basketball and in life.

Davidson 60, UNCG 56

AP:

DAVIDSON -- Brendan McKillop's 3-pointer broke a tie with 27.7 seconds left and Davidson held off North Carolina-Greensboro 60-56 on Wednesday night.

The Wildcats (15-14, 10-7 Southern Conference) led 56-52 with 3:29 left after another McKillop 3-pointer. The Spartans (6-22, 5-12) cut it to 56-54 on a basket by Kendall Toney, then tied it with 56 seconds left after a steal and layup by Kyle Randall.

UNC Greensboro led by seven points, 46-39, with 11:19 left in the second half after an 18-5 run that included seven points by Randall.

DavidsonWildcats.com: Freshman JP Kuhlman scored 14 points to help send the Davidson seniors off with a 60-56 SoCon men's basketball victory over UNC Greensboro on Senior Night at Belk Arena Wednesday. With the win in their final home game, the Wildcat senior class of Will Archambault, Bryant Barr, Dan Nelms and Steve Rossiter has now been a part of 100 career victories at Davidson. McKillop: “I'm thrilled that our seniors were able to finish their career here at Belk Arena with a win.” “Observations.”

Senior night at Belk

Chattanooga 78, Davidson 73

AP:

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- Ricky Taylor scored 22 points and Ty Patterson added 20 to help Chattanooga defeat Davidson 78-73 on Monday night, snapping a five-game losing streak.

The Mocs (14-15, 6-10 Southern Conference) trailed 35-32 at halftime, and shot 52 percent from the field in the second half (26 of 56), including 5 of 10 from 3-point range.

Chattanooga outscored the Wildcats 8-3 after halftime, taking its first lead since 6:56 left in the first half, 40-38, on Keegan Bell’s 3 with 17:24 to play.

Davidson (14-14, 9-7) would lead again, 52-50 with 10:03 remaining, but the Mocs scored 11 straight. Jeremy Saffore’s layup put Chattanooga up 61-52 with 6:38 left, and the Wildcats wouldn’t get any closer than six points the rest of the way.

Jake Cohen scored 16 points and Brendon McKillop added 15 for the Wildcats.

Uch at the Roundhouse: The win snaps a season-long five game losing streak. It also snaps an eight-game losing streak to Davidson which had NBA rookie of the year candidate Stephen Curry for the last three seasons. DavidsonWildcats.com: Davidson went on to take a 35-32 cushion into halftime as seven of the ‘Cats 14 field goals in the frame were from long distance. The Wildcats return to action Wednesday, Feb. 24, for the home finale against UNC Greensboro. Davidson will honor its four seniors, Archambault, Bryant Barr, Dan Nelms and Rossiter, before the game. Ty Patterson: “It’s great to get a win after we’ve been so down. And to beat Davidson -- when was the last time we beat Davidson?”

Davidson 61, Furman 58

Saturday afternoon at Belk:

DAVIDSON -- Jake Cohen scored 14 points and Davidson defeated Furman 61-58 on Saturday.

The Wildcats (14-13, 9-6 Southern Conference) led 57-55 with 1:24 to go, and the Paladins missed a shot and had another blocked by Cohen with 9 seconds left. Cohen was quickly fouled and made both free throws for a 59-55 advantage.

Justin Dehm then hit a 3-pointer with 4 seconds left to pull the Paladins (12-15, 6-10) within 59-58. They then fouled Cohen again, who made both shots for the final margin.

Davidson led 53-41 with 5:50 remaining, but Furman went on a 16-2 run to pull within 57-55 on Bryan Barnes' 3 with 1:24 left.

Will Archambault scored 12 points, and the Wildcats scored 22 points off 19 turnovers.

Observer: Cohen was relieved to make the four late free throws. He’s still bothered by two key foul shots he missed in a loss against Cornell at Madison Square Garden earlier this season, helping the Big Red tie the game in regulation and eventually win in overtime. “That was a bad experience,” said Cohen. “I wanted to make sure I made them when it counted this time.” DavidsonWildcats.com: Archambault and Bryant Barr each became the school’s all-time leader in games played with 131.

Davidson 75, Western 72

AP:

CULLOWHEE -- Nik Cochran and Jake Cohen each scored 14 points to help Davidson hold off Western Carolina in a 75-72 victory on Saturday night.

Ben Allison had 12 points and Steve Rossiter added 10 for the Wildcats (13-12, 8-5 Southern Conference), who held a 70-67 lead on Will Archambalt’s jumper with 4:20 left in the second half.

Western Carolina’s Harouna Mutombo answered with a 3-pointer to tie the game at 70-70 with 4:07 to play. But the Catamounts (18-8, 8-6) would not pull ahead, as Cohen’s layup with 1:05 remaining put Davidson up for good.

Asheville Citizen-Times: Sparked by one of the larger and more boisterous out-of-town crowds to visit the Ramsey Center this winter, Davidson (13-12, 8-5) won for the fifth time in its last six games despite shooting 7-of-23 (30.4 percent) from 3-point range. DavidsonWildcats.com: Davidson reserves put up 35 points. ... Cochran, Barr and Allison combined to score 28 points off the bench in the first half. ... Barr and Will Archambault are one game away from tying Andrew Lovedale for the school record for career games played (130). McKillop: “This is the kind of game you’d see in a conference tournament. This is the kind of game that shows you why Western Carolina’s won 18 games and beat Louisville.”

Appalachian 66, Davidson 56

AP:

BOONE -- Donald Sims scored 25 points, making all his attempts from both 3-point range and at the foul line, to lead Appalachian State in a 66-56 win over Davidson on Thursday night.

Sims finished 2-for-2 from beyond the arc and 5-for-5 at the charity stripe for the Mountaineers (15-10, 9-4 Southern Conference), who have won back to back games since losing 87-76 to Division II King College on Feb. 1.

GoASU.com: Appalachian State completed its first season sweep of the Davidson Wildcats since 2001 with a 66-56 victory at the Holmes Center Thursday night. DavidsonWildcats.com: Davidson finished the contest shooting 32.8 percent (20-for-61) from the field and 28.1 percent (9-for-32) from deep. ... Barr finished with 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting, including 5-for-7 from downtown. ... Archambault is the 38th player to score 1,000 career points for the Wildcats.

‘No other place’

Claire:

I see more and more faces that I recognize, new students/townspeople/staff, and DCats folks that have -- first virtually, now personally -- welcomed me in.

Let me tell you, it is damn exciting to watch these three freshmen gain those cheers that roar over the announcer's soaring voice, that respect, that taken-in-ness that will last their lives. And it's moving to watch these seniors, my classmates, lead this team. Their determination and focus has started to shine on the court and on the bench, but so has their joy, their appreciation. I catch Will smiling and Bryant hustling on defense, Dan staying on his man, and Steve slapping hands, taking deep breaths, the heart of the huddles in the toughest moments. On Saturday, Will fouled out with ONE FRIGGING POINT to go before he reached 1,000. (one.thousand!) Rob, David, Zach, Carrie, and I had cheered for him unceasingly as he got closer and closer, to the point where I think everyone else in the endzone was turning around to shoot us weird looks, and when that fifth whistle blew it just KILLED us. Even though he'll get it tomorrow, I wanted him to have that moment with us so much. But we all stood and screamed for him, and from the bench he clapped and yelled and grinned. TCC.

Hey. This team is fun. This season is fun.

A treasure trove. “Hi, Claire.”

Makes me want to be there.

Rematch at Appalachian

Game notes: The Wildcats start a two-game road swing at the top two teams of the Southern Conference North Division by traveling to Appalachian State Thursday night. ... Both teams posted wins over the Wildcats in Belk Arena in January. ... Will Archambault is one point shy of 1,000 for his career. ... Archambault and Bryant Barr are now three games played from tying the school career record, held by Andrew Lovedale (130). Appalachian: Buzz Peterson is 4-6 against Davidson.

Davidson 84, Ga. Southern 74

AP:

DAVIDSON -- JP Kuhlman scored a career-high 24 points to lead Davidson to an 84-74 victory over Georgia Southern on Saturday night.

Kuhlman was 10-for-14 from the free throw line and Jake Cohen added 18 points as the Wildcats (12-11, 7-4 Southern Conference) won their fourth straight game.

DavidsonWildcats.com: Will Archambault collected 12 points and five rebounds, while Brendan McKillop scored 15 points. Freshman Nik Cochran added nine points off the bench. ... Archambault fouled out in the contest, leaving the senior one point shy of 1,000 for his career. ... Davidson is now 6-2 against SoCon South Division opponents. JP: “We knew coming into this season, that we would have an equal opportunity. That is the way we want to play, and we were able to do it again tonight.” McKillop: “We attacked the pressure. If you let the pressure put the brakes on you, then you’re going to be in trouble, because then you play right into the hands of the press. We will always try to attack the press and take advantage of the floor space that opens up as a result of the pressure.” Highlights.

After the Charleston win

Claire off Thursday night:

The battle cry of the evening became “AR-CHAM-BAULT! AR-CHAM-BAULT!” Deservedly so. Will has upped his game and hustled more than I’ve ever seen this year, and even though I love it when he hits those slanting threes, I think I love it even more when he drives to the basket or is there to tip it in. Singles, little things. Every time we chanted his name, I grinned a little wider, thinking -- he has EARNED this.

Also: THIS is Davidson basketball, loud and sacred, blurry and hilarious and electric, lifting-up, brim-full. In moments like this it’s almost like pride is reverberating back and forth and back and forth, crowd to team and team to crowd until there is no separation. I cannot comprehend that I ever have to leave it.

Davidson 86, Charleston 71

AP:

DAVIDSON -- Will Archambault scored 24 points, freshman JP Kuhlman matched a career-high with 19 and Davidson rallied to beat College of Charleston 86-71 on Thursday night to send the Southern Conference-leading Cougars to their second straight loss.

Charleston’s seven-game winning streak, which included its stunning victory over North Carolina, was snapped Monday at Western Carolina. Despite 22 points apiece from backcourt mates Andrew Goudelock and Tony White Jr., the Cougars (13-8, 8-2) faded down the stretch as they played without center Jeremy Simmons (knee) for a third straight game.

After trailing 23-9 early and by five points early in the second half, Davidson (10-11, 5-4) broke up a close game with an 8-1 spurt behind Archambault. His bucket with 2:56 left put the Wildcats ahead 78-71 and his 3-pointer with 1:22 left made it 82-71.

Jake Cohen added 15 points for the Wildcats.

DavidsonWildcats.com: Archambault scored a season-high 24 points for Davidson (10-11, 5-4 SoCon) on 8-of-9 shooting from the field, including 4-of-5 3-point attempts and 4-of-5 free throw attempts, while adding five rebounds, three assists and a block. Freshman JP Kuhlman matched his career-best scoring total of 19 points by going 8-for-14 from the field and 3-of-5 from behind the arc, while adding three rebounds and three assists. McKillop: “This is one game. The challenge that any teams have in college basketball is endurance and consistency.” More: “This was a team that lost Stephen Curry, Andrew Lovedale, Max Paulhus-Gosselin, and a team that no longer had any of the majors players in that Elite 8 run. For us to think that we could stay with Big Ten and A-10 and Big East teams, I thought that was a good statement for where we were headed. But it really impacted our confidence.” Cremins: “They’re tough. Stephen Curry may be in the NBA, but they’re still a good basketball team.” Live 5. Highlights. After the game.

Davidson 91, Georgia Southern 87

AP:

STATESBORO, Ga. -- JP Kuhlman scored 18 points as all five Davidson starters scored in double figures in a 91-87 win over Georgia Southern on Saturday.

Steve Rossiter and Brendan McKillop each added 15 points for the Wildcats (9-11, 4-4 Southern Conference). Will Archambault had a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, Jake Cohen added 11 points and Ben Allison came off the bench to score 12 for the Wildcats.

Davidson led by nine points at halftime and built a 21-point lead at 82-61 on a 3-pointer by Archambault with 6:46 remaining.

The guys shot 59 percent from the floor and 58 percent from three, which is great, and 55 percent from the free throw line, which is not. First double-double for Will in his career. Brendan was really good today. JP had 18 points on seven shots. Observer. Savannah: “We knew going into the game that 45 percent of their shots are from 3-point range.” DavidsonWildcats.com: Rossiter became the 30th player in school history to record over 500 career points and rebounds.

Davidson 86, Furman 81

AP:

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Will Archambault scored 15 points, including four in the final 14 seconds, helping Davidson hold off Furman 86-81 on Wednesday night.

The Wildcats were up 11 points with just over 1 minute remaining when Amu Saaka almost single-handedly put the Paladins back in the game. He hit two 3s and a free throw in the span of about 30 seconds, sparking a 13-2 Furman run in less than a minute to pull within 82-80.

But Archambault dunked it home to put Davidson up 84-80, grabbed a rebound and hit both free throws after being fouled to seal it in the final seconds.

JP Kuhlman added 14 points for the Wildcats (8-9, 3-2 Southern Conference), Steve Rossiter had 13 and Jake Cohen 11.

McKillop: “I’m going to look at the bright side. They made terrific 3-pointers. We missed free throws. We could have hung our heads, but we didn’t. With the crowd pressure, all of that, it could have been 'poor us.’ We could have had a pity party. But we stayed within the system.” Davidson. Furman.