The men’s basketball team struggled down the stretch of two games this week, dropping close decisions to City College of New York, 86-83, and Hamilton College, 79-76. The Cards led in the late stages of both match-ups, but it was their opponents who were able to hit clutch buckets in the waning minutes.
Co-captain Jimmy Shepherd ’07 and Nick Pelletier ’08 led the way against Hamilton, scoring 23 and 22 points, respectively. Pelletier also grabbed seven boards to lead the Cards who out-rebounded Hamilton 42-40.
Sean Collins ’08 also played well on the low blocks, scoring 12 points and hauling in seven boards.
The Cards took a 76-75 lead with just 37 seconds remaining in the second half after Shepherd hit a three – he was five of nine from beyond the arc on the evening. Hamilton responded with a quick score and, on Wesleyan’s next possession, a Cardinal three-point attempt went awry forcing the Cards to foul.
Hamilton’s Harlee Wood, who was seven for seven from the line in the game, hit both free throws to ice the game. The Cards were left to attempt a crosscourt heave at the buzzer by co-captain Jared Ashe’s ’07, whose prayer went unanswered.
“Hamilton was a tough team,” Ashe said, “they would probably be a stronger NESCAC team so we put in a good showing but we know we can do better.”
Against the City College of New York, the Cards found themselves down 10 points in the second half, but a valiant comeback fell short as the Cards were downed in overtime by an 86-83 margin. The squad appeared to be in good shape with a 75-72 lead with 30 seconds left, but inexplicably allowed CCNY’s James Boodie to swish home an uncontested three pointer to tie the game at 75 and take the game into overtime.
Nick Pelletier ’08 then knocked home a jumper to give the Cards a 77-75 lead in overtime, CCNY scored eight of the next 10 points of the extra period for a decisive lead, and came out with an 80-77 victory.
The Cards tipped off against Emmanuel last night, and will take on Albertus Magnus College at home on Monday at 7:30 p.m.
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