The University News

Issue date: 2/10/04 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Susan Fry WATSON BREAKS RECORD-Senior guard Michael Watson scored 40 points in UMKC´s win over Oakland and became the Mid-Con´s all-time leading scorer, with a career 2,290 points The court was not only warmed but was on fire with an 88-58 victory over the visiting Grizzlies last Saturday night at Municipal Auditorium.

Senior guard Michael Watson only needed 36 points to become the Mid-Continent Conference's career points leader in men's basketball. On an electric Saturday night inside Municipal Auditorium, Watson gave his hometown crowd of 3,822 a superstar show with 40 points, scoring seven three-pointers, pulling down six rebounds, and draining 9-of-10 free throw attempts in UMKC's second-only win against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies in 11 tries. The Roos won 88-58, and with his 2,290 career Mid-Con points, Watson surpassed Tony Bennett of Wisconsin-Green Bay, who scored 2,285 points from 1988 to 1992.

Watson, a graduate of Central High School here in Kansas City, scored his career-breaking points on one of those charity tries with just under five minutes left in the contest against Oakland University, the preseason Mid-Con favorite who beat the Kangaroos 82-67 up in Rochester, Mich. just last week. In that game, Watson hurt his left hand and tallied only 14 points. But this game was different.

This game was crucial to the Roos' conference hopes. And with their league mark at 5-4, the men needed a win before again stepping out on the road for three important contests that will decide their season. But tonight was a career night. And not just for Watson.

"This was more about our conference record," Watson said, deflecting attention from his legendary evening. "My player of the game is Blake Crawford."

Crawford, a freshman center from Blue Valley North, scored 12 points and grabbed seven rebounds in only his second career start. Before Saturday's second half, Crawford had tallied 16 total points for the year. His play after the break sparked his teammates, excited the Municipal crowd, and started the march toward the victory the Roos desperately needed.

Continued...

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