Mutombo’s 2 late baskets, Robinson’s 25 points help Western Carolina overcome Duquesne 83-77

Mutombo lifts Western Carolina over Duquesne 83-77

CULLOWHEE, N.C. — Jake Robinson scored 25 points and Harouna Mutombo broke a late tie with consecutive baskets as Western Carolina defeated Duquesne 83-77 on Wednesday night.

Mutombo hit a jumper with 1:02 remaining to put the Catamounts (4-1) in front 79-77. The 6-foot-4 guard missed his free throw but was credited with a steal when he and Eric Evans of the Dukes (4-1) collided near midcourt. Mutombo, the nephew of former NBA star Dikembe Mutombo, made a layup with 54 seconds left for an 81-77 lead.

Western Carolina hit a school-record 17 3-pointers, seven by Robinson, to win its third game in three days in the O’Reilly Auto Parts CBE Classic subregion it hosted.

The Catamounts led 73-59 before the Dukes went on a 17-3 run and tied it on Damian Saunders’ alley-oop dunk with 2:45 left.

Bill Clark had 25 points for Duquesne and Saunders had 15 rebounds along with 11 points.