Mustangs edge the Raiders 82-76

(Newton, Mass.) The Rivier Men's Basketball team fell at Mount Ida College this evening by the score of 82-76. With the loss, the Raiders drop to 4-21 (3-15 GNAC). With the win, Mount Ida improves their record to 8-17 (6-12 GNAC).

Trailing by two points, 20-18 after a three-pointer by Raider junior Brendon Moran (Peabody, Mass.), Mount Ida took the lead for good on a triple by Clark and quickly extended that lead to eleven points with a 13-0 run that included back to back three-pointers by sophomore Ethan Dujon (Warwick, R.I.), who added 18 points and a pair of steals in the victory.

The lead grew to as much as 17 points with 12:09 remaining in the second half when Brendan Cunningham (Quincy, Mass.) made a layup to end nearly a three-minute field goal drought for both sides. Ruff answered quickly with a three-pointer and the teams began a five minute run in which the only made field goals were from behind the three-point line.

Francis made two of those triples for the Raiders, and when the dust settled, they had pulled to within eight points, 63-55, with 7:35 left to play.

Two free throws and a three-pointer by Joey DeFillippi (Bristol, Conn.) helped the Mustangs keep Rivier at bay, and freshman Patrick McKearney (Avon, Conn.), who scored 15 points and grabbed five rebounds in the game, put an exclamation point on the contest with a one-handed throw-down dunk after a steal and an assist by Clark, his 11th and final of the game.

Despite another made three-pointer from Francis, the Mustangs hit their free throws down the stretch to hold on for the victory.

Rivier had good performances turned in by freshman Andre Ruff (Lowell, Mass.) who was able to score 21 points for the Raiders. Kevin Francis (Cromwell, Conn.) also played well for the Raiders, leading them with 22 points. Senior Jake Nelson (Nashua, N.H.) was able to add an additional 14 points for the Raiders.

Mount Ida had good performances turned in by Joey DeFillippi (Bristol, Conn,) who socred 20 points while Patrick McKearney (Avon, Conn.) added 15 points. Ethan Dujon (Warwick, R.I.) scored 18 for the Mustangs.

The Rivier Men's Basketball team has finished their season with a 4-21 (3-15 GNAC) record. Although they were unable to clinch a spot in the GNAC tournament, they had a very good season and look to improve as they get ready for next year. As for Mount Ida College, they will next play in the GNAC Quarterfinals on February 24^th against the Johnson & Wales University Wildcats. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:30pm.