MONTEVALLO, AL – West Bladen grad Rahu Purdie fired in 15 points and dished out 5 assists Saturday, but his Lander Bearcats dropped their Peach Belt Conference opener 77-69 to the University of Montevallo.
Purdie nailed an early 3-point shot to give the Bearcats an 8-6 lead then drilled a 3-point shot from the top of the key to tie the game 19-19 midway the first half. A pair of Purdie free throws tied the game again 23-23 with 8:42 left in the half.
Two more Purdie free throws tied the game again 48-48 with 13:29 remaining in the game. The Tar Heel native dropped in a lay-up then sent an assist to Chris Tate for a lay-up that kept the Bearcats within 54-53 with 10:11 on the clock.
Purdie rattled in a 3-pointer with 4:02 left to tie the game again 65-65. The sophmore guard stole the ball and pitched ahead to J. R. Washington for a lay-up that tied the game a final time at 67-67 with 2:31 remaining.
Purdie connected on 3 of 7 3-point attempts, 4 of 10 shots from the field and all 4 of his free throws. He also grabbed 3 rebounds and was credited with 2 steals.
The Bearcats, now 3-5 overall, will travel to North Georgia Monday night at 7:30.
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