Trey Sumler tallied 27 points, five rebounds and four assists as the Western Carolina Catamounts dismissed The Citadel Bulldogs, 76-61, in first-round action of the Southern Conference Tournament at the U.S. Cellular Center.

Sumler shot 10-of-15 from the field for WCU (14-18), which will take on third- seeded College of Charleston in the quarterfinal round on Saturday. James Sinclair added 14 points and six rebounds for the sixth-seeded Catamounts, while Tom Tankelewicz scored 11 points.

For the 11th-seeded Bulldogs (8-22), Mike Groselle and Matt Van Scyoc poured in 13 points apiece.

WCU shot 50 percent from the field in the first half and held The Citadel to under 38 percent shooting, as it carried a 34-25 lead into intermission.

The Catamounts' advantage never dipped below seven in the second half.

WCU outscored The Citadel at the foul line, 13-3.

Game Notes