ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, November 12, 1996 TAG: 9611120120
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-2 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
With the other four starters from last season gone, the Virginia Tech men's basketball team is counting on Ace Custis to do even more this season. That's why Custis' knee injury, which required surgery, was such a major concern.
The senior forward all but put those worries to rest Monday night, scoring 20 points in a 69-53 exhibition victory over FMP Yugoslavia in front of a crowd of 2,822 at Cassell Coliseum.
Custis hit nine of 13 shots from the field and went 2-for-2 from the free-throw line. He also grabbed a game-high seven rebounds and had two steals.
The Hokies led 36-22 at halftime and coasted to victory. The closest the Yugoslavs could come in the second half was 12 points, at 56-44 with five minutes to play.
Keefe Matthews and Jim Jackson added 10 points and six rebounds each for Tech, which held the visitors to 37 percent field-goal shooting.
Guard Luka Pavicevic led the Yugoslavs, who had won the first four games on their U.S. tour, with 15 points, seven assists and six rebounds. Forward Mladan Silobad added 13 points.
NOTE: Please see microfilm for scores.
LENGTH: Short : 32 linesby CNB