Gaston College concludes exhibition schedule with victory at Catawba Valley Community College

A shorthanded Gaston College basketball team used a first half offensive burst and a second half defensive stand to cruise to a 91-78 at Catawba Valley Community College on Thursday night.

The contest ended the Rhinos' exhibition season as they prepare for their November 2 regular season opener against Gaddis Watts Prep Academy at 7 p.m. at Ashbrook High School.

In Thursday's victory, DaMarco Watson and Michael Smith scored 10 points apiece as Gaston College built a 56-43 first half lead.

In the second half, the Rhinos outscored the Red Hawks 25-15 to start the second half and take an 81-58 lead with 8:18 to play to cruise to the victory.

"We came out and we really responded to what we wanted to do at halftime," Gaston College head coach Jamie Rosser said of the second half burst that put the game away. "For our guys to come out and play like they did tonight, I can't be anything but proud of them."

Jordan Guthrie led Gaston College with 19 points. Watson (15 points, 8 rebounds), Smith (14 points, 4 rebounds), Joshua Johnson (11 points, 7 rebounds), Asil Hoyle (10 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists), Dedrick Givens (9 points) and Jamal Ukaegbu (7 points, 3 rebounds) were other contributors to the balanced attack.

It came on a night in which five Rhinos were out of action due to a cold or injuries.

"I've got to get my guys healthy," Rosser said. "If we can stay healthy, we can be a really good team."