Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, December 11, 1993 TAG: 9312110181
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RALPH BERRIER JR. STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Medium
William Byrd was the carefree pedestrian, whistling while ambling down the sidewalk. Three stories above, Christiansburg was the piano about to be dropped from a window.
The Terriers cruised effortlessly for 3 1/2 quarters, but had to step out of the way of an onrushing Blue Demons squad before ducking out with a 62-58 boys' basketball victory Friday night.
"You have to say things went well because we won," said Paul Barnard, William Byrd's coach. "But, as a coach, you're never satisfied."
Despite nearly losing the grip on a game it controlled most of the way, Byrd looked sharp in its season opener. The Terriers, who hope to make a run at the top teams in the Blue Ridge District, shredded Christiansburg's defense in running up an 18-point lead midway through the fourth period.
After needing numerous second-chance shots to take a 33-23 halftime lead, Byrd shot a twine-searing 68.4 percent (13-for-19) in the final two quarters and appeared to have run the Blue Demons off their floor.
"We played pretty well, until the end," said center John Bradberry, who led the Terriers with 16 points.
Christiansburg (2-1) was on a 17-3 tear when the final horn blew. The Demons cut their deficit to four on Denny Self's 3-pointer with eight seconds to play.
After a Michael McGuire jumper put Byrd up 59-41 with 4 minutes, 49 seconds remaining, Christiansburg scored the next 10 points.
Rodney Perdue started the scoring binge with a 3-pointer - one of a trio of fourth-quarter 3-pointers for the Demons - and Darrell Calloway capped it with a couple of layups after turnovers, cutting the lead to 61-53.
Byrd did its part to keep things close by missing four of five fourth-quarter free throws, including three consecutive one-and-ones.
The Terriers did not translate their field-goal success at the stripe. They missed 13 of 21 free throws.
"That's not good," Barnard said.
Byrd did other things well to compensate. The Terriers shot well from the field - 55.1 percent (27-for-49) for the game - and outrebounded the Blue Demons 37-28.
The Terriers dined on Demon Under Glass in the first half by scoring 10 points on follow shots.
"We let them have way too many stick-backs in the first half," said Gerald Thompson, Christiansburg's coach.
The Terriers had fewer offensive rebounds in the second half because they missed fewer shots. Byrd ripped Christiansburg's half-court defense with some quick passes that always seemed to open up players for layups or short jumpers.
"Our adrenaline was pumping in the first half, since this was our first game," Barnard said. "In the second half, we were relaxed. The kids made excellent passes. We feel we can put five players on the floor who can score."
Chris Childress had 12 points for Byrd.
Christiansburg got 16 points from Self and 12 each from John Hairston and Rodney Perdue.
by CNB