(LEBANON, Ill., Nov. 13)-Harry Statham of McKendree University became the first men's college basketball coach at the four-year level to reach 1,000 career victories when his Bearcat team defeated East-West University on Friday evening at the Melvin Price Convocation Center in the McKendree Classic, 79-49.

"This is a great night, for sure, but this program is about all of the players who have played and who are playing at McKendree," said Statham in a post-game interview. "We have had great players, and more importantly, great people, who have represented McKendree and who have contributed to this night. It's special to be able to share this evening with a lot of wonderful people."

Junior forward Eric Hobbie (Vandalia, Ill./Vandalia) led the way for McKendree with 22 points, while junior forward Brad Copelin (O'Fallon, Ill./O'Fallon) and freshman guard John Steppe (Effingham, Ill./St. Anthony) each chipped in with 11 points for McKendree. Senior forward Kenny Detmer (Aviston, Ill./Breese Central) grabbed a team-leading eight rebounds, and junior guard Andy Wolff dished at a game-high eight assists for the Bearcats.

A post-game celebration was held on the court after Friday's game. Statham received a proclamation and key to the City of Lebanon from Mayor Scott Abner. Jim Carr, the president and CEO of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), of which McKendree is a member, offered words of congratulations from the organization. The final presentation came from McKendree President Dr. James Dennis, who presented the game ball to Statham and announced that the McKendree Legacy Scholarship was being renamed in honor of the Bearcats' head coach.

In Friday's game, McKendree held a 30-25 lead at the half, but pulled away by shooting 66.7 percent (16-of-24) in the final 20 minutes of play. The Bearcats pulled away midway through the second half thanks to a 15-3 run to build a 55-34 advantage with 8:47 remaining. In Friday's game, McKendree held a 30-25 lead at the half, but pulled away by shooting 66.7 percent (16-of-24) in the final 20 minutes of play. The Bearcats pulled away midway through the second half thanks to a 15-3 run to build a 55-34 advantage with 8:47 remaining.

In the closing moments, as McKendree ended the game on a 10-0 run, the crowd rose to its feet, chanting "Harry, Harry" in honor of Statham. More than 40 former players were on hand to join Statham on the court for the post-game celebration.

Cliff Manning led East-West (2-3) with 11 points and a game-high 11 rebounds. The Phantoms were held to just 28.6 percent shooting on the night.

The Bearcats will face a stiff test on Saturday when they host No. 11-ranked Union University in the final game of the McKendree Classic Saturday at 7 p.m.