CALDWELL, NJ - The men's basketball team fought the Goldey Beacom College Lightning to the game's final possession Friday afternoon, but in the end the Deacons fell 84-82 to their CACC semifinal opponent, ending their run at a CACC Tournament Championship.
The Deacons' offense was clicking on all cylinders in the early going, with the club shooting a scorching 46% from beyond the arch and 46% total from the floor through the game's first 20 minutes of play. The Lightning couldn't quite keep up with the furious pace, as they trailed the Deacons 43-46 heading into the break.
It seemed as if the Deacons would punch their ticket to the CACC Championship Game for the second consecutive season, as they pushed the lead to 13 points with just under 16 minutes to play. But Goldey stormed back with a tremendous shooting performance, ripping off a 10-0 run to climb to within a single point. The Deacons were able to keep GBC at bay, but eventually surrendered the advantage with just over nine minutes to play, falling behind by a bucket at 69-67.
Coach Holmes' squad was able to recover quickly, though, and held the lead until the Lightning were able to draw even with just 1:20 to play. The Deacons had the first crack and taking the lead in the game's final minute, but their scoring chance went by the boards, leaving the Lightning one final chance to steal the game and move on to the CACC Final. Guard Kyle White drained a jumper with just two ticks remaining, leaving the Deacons a desperation three as time expired that ultimately came up short, ending their playoff run a game short of the Final.
Junior guard
Gage Daye was brilliant in the defeat, notching game-high 33 points, six rebounds, seven assists and three steals.
Ryan Rodrigues was rock-solid from the perimeter, pouring in 17 points and connecting on 50% of his three-point tries.
Chris Sampson was formidable in the paint in the loss, notching 11 points and seven rebounds.