Box Score
MIDDLETOWN, CT - Despite shooting just 38% from the field, the
Williams men's basketball team improved its record to 3-0 with a
win over Little Three foe Wesleyan (0-3) in Middletown,
61-51. Sophomore big man Joe Geohegan scored 17 points and
pulled down 11 rebounds, leading the Ephs in both categories while
only playing 27 minutes.
In a game of runs, the Ephs jumped out to a 34-21 lead going
into halftime thanks in large part to a 17-2 run that involved
scoring contributions from six different players. The run
began with 12:08 to go in the first half and the Ephs trailing
12-9; it would be the only time the Ephs trailed all game.
After leading by as many as 18 points in the second half, the
Ephs watched their sizable advantage almost evaporate thanks to an
18-5 run by the Cardinals to pull to within five. Despite
shooting just 27.6% in the second half though, the Ephs were able
to hold off the Cardinal charge and secure a comfortable 12 point
lead heading into the final minute of play and ultimately winning
by 10.
For the Cardinals it was junior Stan Grayson leading the way,
netting a team-high 15 points on 6 of 7 shooting.
Williams out rebounded Wesleyan 46-27, recording their third
straight game with a rebounding margin of at least plus-10.
The Ephs also made five more free throws than the Cardinals
attempted, ultimately allowing them to overcome a cold shooting
night, including just 11.1% from beyond the arc.
Eph coach Dave Paulsen saw a good deal of positives despite the
cold shooting night:
"At this stage of the season last year, we may not have won this
game. This would fall into the category of an ugly win, but
we're happy to get out of here with a win. Clearly, we are going to
have to elevate our play down the road."
In addition to strong performances by starters Geohegan and
Kevin Snyder (13 points), Coach Paulsen praised his bench's
performances, in particular juniors Tommas Golia and Grant Meyer,
and sophomore William Hardy.
"We let them back into the game in the second half--we had no
offensive fluidity," said Paulsen, "But I think we also showed some
resiliency and we made the plays we needed to make down the stretch
to secure the win."
After the Thanksgiving break Williams will head across the New
York State border to RPI. Game time is set for 2:00 pm this
Sunday.
