BLOOMFIELD, NJ - The men's basketball team improved to 15-4 overall and 9-1 in CACC play Thursday night, with a methodical 77-69 victory over the Dominican College Chargers in the Deacons' Den.
The North Division leaders never trailed in their third tilt of the season against the Chargers, establishing a potent offensive attack from the opening tip. Dominican was able to keep pace for most of the frame, until the Deacons built a 12-point cushion with just under seven minutes to play. They were able to keep the Chargers at bay for the remainder of the period, taking a 35-28 advantage into the break.
It was more of the same in the second frame, as Coach Holmes' squad was able to thwart each Chargers spurt with a key basket or defensive stop from one of the night's numerous contributors. Despite steady attempts to climb back into the affair, Dominican could never quite close the gap far enough, with the Deacons icing the game from the free-throw line in the waning minutes to keep their home winning streak alive at 20 straight contests.
Gage Daye was the top scorer on a club which saw eight players notch a bucket, dropping a team-high 17 points to go with his 11 rebounds and seven assists.
Ryan Rodrigues and
Elias Brantley completed the three-headed perimeter monster in the win, going for 16 and 13 points respectively.
Robert Young and
Matt Wafula provided the punch inside, coming off the bench to post eight points apiece in the win.
For Dominican, Almin Hodzic post 13 points and a game-high 16 rebounds, while Leon Porter netted 13 points. Forward Mike Calzonetti was the third Charger in double-figures, contributing 10 points.
The Deacons return to the hardwood Saturday, February 6 with a home CACC contest against Holy Family University. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00 PM.