Blue Ridge also got a boost from junior center Martins Abele, who added 17 points and 11 boards. The 7-foot-1, 295-pound Latvian is undoubtedly a welcome presence inside.

Abele, a junior, moved to the states from his native Latvia over the summer. He says his goal is to someday make it to the NBA, just like Andris Biedrins, his countryman who plays for the Golden State Warriors.