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November 7, 2002

American knocks off Gulbene in Opener
Steven Miles nets 18 points in 2002-03 debut

Boxscore

Tri-captain Steven Miles led AU with 18 points and eight rebounds versus Gulbene.

WASHINGTON — American University opened its’ basketball with a 93-71 victory over Gulbene Buki in an exhibition game played at Bender Arena. Senior tri-captain Steven Miles (Alexandria, Va.) scored 18 points, garnered eight rebounds, dished out three assists and picked up two steals to lead the Eagles. Miles was seven-of-ten from the field and three-of-four from long distance.

Junior Jernavis Draughn (Triangle, Va.) was just behind Miles with 13 points, seven rebounds and one blocked shot all in just 22 minutes of action. Tri-captain Glenn Stokes (Silver Spring, Md.) scored 15 points on six-of-ten shooting while Matej Cresnik (Velenje, Slovenia) was the final Eagle in double figures with ten points.

The Eagles led by 13 at the half, but played even better in the second half, shooting 65 percent from the floor. For the game they outrebounded Gulbene 32-29 and shot 64 percent from the free throw lane.The Eagle defensive pressure forces 20 turnovers.

Former AU stars Patrick Doctor and Keith Gray played for Gulbene. Doctor had three points in eight minutes while Gray was scoreless in seven minutes. Former Missouri star Johnny Parker led all scorers with 19 points.

AU will officially open the 2002-03 season on November 22, when they play against Missouri.