By Bret Strelow

Salisbury Post

Doug Campbell wore a windbreaker and jeans on Salisbury’s bench.

He contributed to the win without playing a second.

Brandon Abel and Joe Allen scored 18 points apiece to lead the Hornets to a 63-40 victory against East Davidson on Friday.

Salisbury (10-7, 5-2 CCC) remained tied for first place in the conference even though Campbell missed the game because of a pulled groin suffered during practice a day earlier.

Head coach Jason Causby called timeout after the Hornets fell behind 5-0, but he didn’t address the team immediately.

Campbell offered the first words of encouragement, and Salisbury responded with a 15-0 run.

“I knew if I couldn’t get out there and play and sacrifice for my teammates, I had to find any way I could to help the team.” Campbell said. “It’s part of being a senior.”

Abel scored Salisbury’s first two baskets, and the Hornets took the lead for good over East Davidson (3-15, 1-6) on a field goal by Zac Rose.

Causby said Campbell told his teammates to play smarter and with more intensity.

“Being a coach and wanting to see leadership, I appreciate that,” Causby said. “When I felt like he was done, I stepped in and basically echoed his sentiments. That speaks volumes about the type of kid he is. He cares about the team.”

The Hornets led 24-11 by the end of the first quarter and took a 38-18 advantage into the break.

Causby praised the play of Abel and the effort of Ibn Ali, who assisted Thaddeus Williams with the ball-handling responsibilities.

Abel, a sophomore, scored 11 points on 5-for-5 shooting during the first quarter. He matched his career-high point total set in this year’s season-opener against South Rowan.

“Coach told me to step up and play my game,” Abel said.

That meant moving around more with and without the ball in his hands and finding gaps in East Davidson’s defense.

“I’ll watch tape, and even in practice, he’s standing still,” Causby said. “We really have practiced on making him be active with his feet and moving. Everything we do has a purpose, but if you find yourself standing still, go somewhere. Find a gap or a hole. I thought he did that with and without the ball.”

EAST DAVIDSON (40) — Darr 11, Mouzon 8, Callicutt 6, Ashworth 5, Michael 2, Workman 2, C.Ward 2, Lambreth 2, Miller 1, J.Ward 1, Phillips.

SALISBURY (63) — Abel 18, Allen 18, Phifer 12, Williams 5, Rose 4, Ali 4, Gibbs 2, White, Allison, Duke, Almond, Handy.

E. Davidson 11 7 13 9 — 40

Salisbury 24 14 14 11 — 63

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Contact Bret Strelow at 704-797-4258 or bstrelow@salisburypost.com.