JUCO Playoffs: Stix Paves Way To Win

SHAWNEE, Okla. -- Eastern Oklahoma State College jumped out to a big early lead and never looked back in a 93-68 victory over Connors State College on Friday night at the Region II Tournament quarterfinals.

The Mountaineers jumped out to an 18 point first half thanks to a blistering 59 percent shooting performance from the field. Eastern Oklahoma hit five of nine three pointers in the half and converted several high percentage looks around the basket.

Connors State got no closer than 11 in the second half. Point guard Detrius Robinson's three pointer drew the Cowboys within 66-55, but the Mountaineers responded with a 19-6 run over the next five minutes to extend the lead back to 86-61.

Eastern's three headed forward attack of James "Stix" Williams, Brice Vounang and Jerry Echenique paved the way for the victory. Williams, a 6-8 sophomore from New York City, contributed 21 points and eight rebounds. Echenique, a physical and burly 6-6 power forward, tallied 16 points and 10 boards, while 6-7 combo forward Vounang added 20 points and nine rebounds.

Luis Lemes, the Mountaineers' ultra solid 6-3 sophomore combo guard, connected on three of seven three pointers on the way to 11 points.

Toby Smith (no relation to the great reporter on the Michigan website), a bouncy 6-8 sophomore forward, paced the Connors attack with 18 points and 11 rebounds. He will not graduate from junior college and is expected to go the Division II or NAIA route.

Sophomore forward Shawn Davis and sophomore swingman Craig Lewis each contributed 13 points. Freshman point guard Detrius Robinson struggled from the field, hitting just four of 12 shots. He did however score 12 points and collect six assists.

Eastern advanced to Saturday's Region II semifinal against Northeast Oklahoma A&M. Last year, the Mountaineers advanced to the championship game but were bounced by Westark (now Arkansas at Forth Smith), which represented the region and placed fifth at last year's NJCAA Tournament.