The Patrick Henry Patriots Men's Basketball team picked up their first win of the season in their first NJCAA sanctioned game, a 82-55 decision over former VCCS rival Southside Virginia Community College.

Anthony Wooten led all scorers with 21 points for the Patriots, who turned a six point 37-31 lead at the half to a 82-55 rout. Marvin Brooks and Marlin Cribbs scored 14 and 13 points respectively and were joined by Lamar Ricks with 10 points as the four Patriots to score double figures on Opening Night.

Things got off to a slow start for the Patriots as Southside jumped out of the gates early as the visitors scored the first seven points of the game. "We started four freshman and just one sophomore so there were some nerves there at first," said Patriots Head Coach Chuck Moore. "Once we got settled down and started executing on defense, we wore them down and took advantage," added Moore.

The Patriots would rally just minutes later after Southside took the early lead. Anthony Wooten's three pointer with 12:10 remaining in the first half gave the Patriots a 16-13 lead, a lead that they wouldn't relinquish for the remainder of the game. PHCC opened up a 31-20 lead with seven minutes left in the first but Southside would turn up the heat and closed to within six to end the half.

The second half was all Patriots as they outscored Southside 45-24 and cruised to the win. Antron Fowlkes scored 16 points to lead Southside in scoring. "Southside has a very strong team with some good guards and some size in the middle, they should do very well in the VCCS," added Moore.

The Patriots travel to Nashville, Tennessee this weekend to play Volunteer State and Columbia State in the Volunteer State Invitational. "This weekend will be a big test against two division one teams with all scholarship players, it will be a good measuring point to see where we are early on in the season," said Moore.

By DOUG GIBSON - PHCC Sports Information Director