Friday, March 17, 2000
Purcell makes regional finals
Fulks fuels victory with 4th-quarter run
BY JOHN SCHUTTE
Enquirer contributor
Tony Fulks made four field goals and a free throw in the first three minutes of the fourth quarter to help Purcell Marian to a 61-45 victory over Columbus Bishop Watterson in a Division II regional semifinal game at Wright State on Thursday night.
Purcell Marian advances to the regional championship for the first time since 1994. It will play Dayton Christian — a 53-42 winner over Bellfontaine — at 3p.m. Saturday at UD Arena.
With Purcell leading 40-28 after three quarters, Fulks scored nine of Purcell's first 11 points in the fourth quarter to erase any hope of a Watterson comeback.
“I had to step it up on offense because nobody else was making their shots,” Fulks said, “I struggled from the field in the first half, so I looked for fast-break points to loosen up.”
Fulks scored off an offensive rebound, a short jumper and two fast-break layups to push Purcell's lead to 51-35 with 4:53 remaining.
Watterson got no closer than 12 points in the closing minutes.
Purcell Marian controlled the game from the outset. The Cavaliers took a 10-1 lead in the first 4:48 of the game and didn't allow a Watterson field goal until 2:27 was left in the quarter.
Jamie Cooper and Keith Jackson keyed the early run, each hitting a pair of field goals.
“We wanted to come out with intensity, pressure the ball and force some turnovers,” Cooper said. “If we play our game, we can beat anyone.”
Cooper led Purcell with 15 points, and Jackson added 10 points and 13 rebounds.
Tickets for the regional championship game can be purchased at the athletic center at Purcell Marian from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today.
WATTERSON (46) — Rolsen 3 1 8, Swartz 7 3 18, Schmelmer 6 3 15, Lloyd 2 0 4, Enright 0 1 1. Totals: 18 8 46.
PURCELL MARIAN (61) — J. Cooper 6 3 15, H. Cooper 2 5 9, Jackson 5 0 10, Salamone 3 4 12, Sanders 1 0 2, Fulks 5 1 11, Swann 1 0 2. Totals: 23 13 61.
Watterson ....... 9 9 10 18—46
Purcell Marian ....... 16 15 9 21—61
Three-pointers: W-Rolsen, Swartz. PM-Salamone 2. Records PM 22-3, W 16-8.
Sports Stories
Bearcats have surprise on their side
Five keys for the 'new' UC
Huggins, Martin win national awards
UC women win NIT opener
Women's NIT scores
Freshman points XU women into NCAAs
Women's NCAA Schedule
Irish eye NIT title as consolation prize
Xavier-ND tickets on sale
Men's NIT Scores - Schedule
Pitcher Bell sent to Triple-A
Ankle swelling slows Sanders
Griffey beats shift with HR
Pokey may return Saturday
Reds Game Report
No reunion for Bengals, Boomer
