Dec. 21, 2008 | Box Score

Hot-Shooting Charlotte Topples Penguins, 100-80

    Charlotte, N.C. -- Sophomore Vytas Sulskis led three Penguins scoring in double figures with a game-high 20 points but the Youngstown State men's basketball team (2-8) could not overcome a hot-shooting Charlotte squad, 100-80, on Sunday afternoon at Halton Arena.

    For the game, the 49ers (4-6) shot an impressive 61.7 percent from the field, including 67.9 percent in the first half.

    Juniors Kelvin Bright and Sirlester Martin posted 16 and 14 points, respectively.

    After Vance Cooksey hit a 3-pointer to open the scoring, Charlotte rattled off 16 straight points to take a 13-point lead with 16:33 remaining.

     Trailing 26-14 after a Rashad Coleman 3-pointer midway through the half, the Penguins responded with an 11-5 run to cut the deficit to just six, 31-25, with 7:41 remaining.

    Freshman Ashen Ward hit a 3-pointer and junior Dallas Blocker made a jumper, lay up, free throw and a 3-pointer to lead the Penguins' charge.

    Charlotte, though, out-scored the Guins, 14-5, over the next four minutes to extend its lead to 15 points, 45-30, at the 3:23 mark and led by 20, 54-34, at the intermission.

    In the second half, Charlotte extended its lead to as many as 28 points, 65-37, with 16:38 to go before Sulskis caught fire.

    Sulskis, who scored 18 of his 20 points in the second half, hit a career-best five 3-pointers after halftime to get the Guins within 17, 81-64, with 8:45 remaining. However, that is as close as the Guins would get.

    For the game, YSU shot 44.1 percent from the floor, 47.4 percent from the 3-point arc and dished out 18 assists compared to just 12 turnovers.

    After a break for Christmas, the Guins return home to host Lock Haven, Monday, Dec. 29. Tipoff is set for 7:05 p.m. at the Beeghly Center.