By Horace Billings

Salisbury Post

Catawba’s men outlasted Wingate 108-105 in a free-wheeling overtime battle at Goodman Gym on Saturday.

The SAC teams were tied at 91 after regulation, and the Indians outscored the visitors 17-14 in the extra session.

Guard Brian Graves led the Indians with a record-setting performance.

The senior playmaker fired in 32 points on 9-of-18 shooting, including 5-for-9 on

3-pointers. He was 9-for-11 from the foul line.

Chris Wooldridge, who delivered key points throughout the game, followed with 20 points. He was 10-of-19 from the field.

Norman Monroe fired in 15 points, Antonio Houston had 14 and Ahmad Murphy collected 13.

Sean Barnette with 23 points and Justin Baker with 22 led Wingate (14-6, 7-3).

It was the fourth win in the past five games for the Indians (11-9, 6-3).

Catawba trailed by three points in overtime, but a layup by Monroe pulled the Indians within 105-104 with just over a minute left.

Graves’ free throw tied the score with 52 seconds remaining. Then Monroe tipped in a rebound with 16 seconds left to give Catawba a 107-105 lead.

With 2.7 seconds remaining, Antonio Houston sank a free throw to give the Indians their winning margin.

“It was a heckuva college game,” said Catawba coach Jim Baker. “Neither team could stop the other. Graves gave us some key 3-point baskets. Wooldridge delivered some big points.

Wingate (105) — Barnette 23, Baker 22, Grier 19, Kirkland 16, Coles 10, Smith 6, Holmes 4, Villinnes 2.

CatawbA (108) — Graves 32, Wooldridge 20, Monroe 15, Houston 14, Murphy 13, Fields 9, Rose 2, Diggs 2, Brinkley 1, Magnusson, Williams.

Wingate 37 54 14 — 105

Catawba 18 19 16 — 108