Men's Basketball edged by Mount Ida, 73-62

(Nashua, N.H.) The Rivier Men's Basketball team were defeated this evening by the visiting Mount Ida Mustangs by the score of 72-63. With the loss, the Raiders drop to 4-18 (3-12 GNAC). With the win, the Mustangs improve to 5-16 (3-11 GNAC).

The first half, despite some rather exciting play, was a very low scoring affair for both the Raiders and Mustangs. Seemingly neck and neck the entire half, neither team, despite their many efforts, could seem to pull away until the 4 minute mark. With just minutes left in the half, the Mustangs strung together a series of excellent offensive (and defensive) possessions to take (and push) their lead to 10. The main difference in the first, was the amount of fouls conceded by the Raiders.  Mount Ida, who appeared to be the early aggressor, put the Raiders in some early foul trouble. With a two to one foul ratio (12-6), the Raiders were constantly being pressured on the defensive side of the ball.

The first half saw some rather impressive shooting by both sides. Mount Ida, on 14 of 25 shooting from the field, shot an impressive, 56%.  The Raiders were able to shoot 48% from the field on 11 of 23 shooting. From 3-point range, the Mustangs were able to hit 5 of 8 for 63% shooting. The Mustangs also had good production from the bench, outscoring the Raiders 17-5. The Raiders trailed at half 44-30.  

Rivier had some good half performances turned in by Edward Soucie (South Ryegate, V.T.) who was able to lead the Raiders with 9 points and 3 assists. Sophomore Matthew Manning (Peabody, Mass.) scored 8 points and grabbed an additional 2 rebounds while senior Jake Nelson (Nashua, N.H.) was able to tally 5 points, 3 assists, and 3 rebounds.

Mount Ida had good first half performances turned in by Ethan Dujon (Warwick, R.I.) who was able to lead all scorers with 18 points. Sophomore forward Jesse Nelson (Hopatcong, N.J.) was able to record 8 points and 2 rebounds while teammate Brendan Cunningham (Quincy, Mass.) was able to add 5 points and 4 rebounds for the Mustangs.

The second half was just as fast-paced and exciting as the first. Both teams shot very well in the second. The Mustangs, with a late push, outlasted the Raiders. With some accurate shooting, great team communication and passing, the Mustangs were able to rally past the Raiders late barrage of shots and pressure to seal the victory. The Mustangs were highly productive off of the bench outscoring the Raiders 21-5.

Mount Ida had good performances turned in by Ethan Dujon (Warwick, R.I.) who had a game high 27 points. Joey DeFillippi (Bristol, Conn.) added 9 points and 4 assists while Jayson Clark (Austin, Texas) recorded an additional 8 points.

For the Raiders, Matthew Manning (Peabody, Mass.) scored 16 points and secured 6 rebounds while Andre Ruff (Lowell, Mass.) also scored 16 points. Kywane Thomas (Hartford, Conn.) recorded 10 points and 4 rebounds.

For their next contest, the Rivier Men's basketball team will host the Norwich University Cadets in a GNAC showdown. This game is scheduled for Saturday, February 14^th at 3:00pm in the Muldoon Gymnasium. As for the Mount Ida Mustangs, they will next travel to play the Suffolk University Rams on Saturday, February 14^th at 3:00pm in a GNAC matchup.