Vanlandingham, Pirates Rob Barons, 81-74

SAVANNAH, Ga. - Sophomore Chris Vanlandingham pumped in a career-high 29 points to help the Armstrong Atlantic State men's basketball team capture an 81-74 victory over visiting Brewton-Parker in the Pirates' 2009-10 home opener on Saturday afternoon.

The Pirates (2-1) have won two straight since a season-opening road loss at Wingate and also won for the third time in three tries against neighbor Brewton-Parker (2-6), an NAIA school in nearby Mt. Vernon, Ga.

A native of Hendersonville, N.C., and the state of North Carolina's leading scorer as a senior in high school, Vanlandingham hit 10-of-13 shots from the floor, including making his only three-point try, while also making 8-of-11 three-pointers en route to his career high as a Pirate. His previous career high was eight points, set twice last season.

Senior Patrick Shokpeka added 14 points, as did freshman Arris Brundidge, as the Pirates pulled away in the second half after leading by six at halftime, 34-28. Vanlandingham had 17 of his 29 points after intermission, while Shokpeka had 10 of his 14 in the second half.

Brewton-Parker was led by a trio of players who tallied 14 points - Corey Roth, Andrew Dikas and Eddie Dixon. Roth added 12 rebounds for a double-double and also tallied four steals.

Brundidge was a rebound away from a double-double for the Pirates with nine to lead the Pirates.

AASU returns to action on Sunday, November 29, with a 4:00 p.m. home contest against No. 8 Florida Southern.