Box Score WILLIAMSTOWN, MA – The Williams College Ephs (16-3, 3-3 NESCAC) fell to the Tufts Jumbos (14-4, 3-2 NESCAC) on Friday evening in Chandler Gym. The teams were tied at the midway point, but Tufts outscored Williams 40-19 in the second half to win 71-50. The Jumbos athleticism on defense disrupted the Ephs offensive rhythm all game long, as the Ephs shot just 5-23 in the second half — including 0-11 from three-point range. Tufts, meanwhile, went 17-29 in the second period.
"I liked the first half better than the second half," Eph head coach Kevin App said bluntly. "For whatever reason, the enthusiasm and confidence that we've been playing with all year was lacking. We have to get that back."
Fortunately, the Ephs will have a chance to bounce back against Bates tomorrow in a senior day matchup, as we celebrate the illustrious careers of Spencer Spivy, Ryan Moon, and David Elien.
"It starts with not worrying about what's happening, and just doing it," App spoke of how the Ephs can get their mojo back. "Nothing you can do except go out there and compete harder, trust each other more, and get the taste of victory again."
Spencer Spivy and Evan Glatzer combined for the first eight points on the night for the Ephs on strong takes to the basket, before Noah Dinkins somehow finished a circus-like floater while falling to the floor. After starting 0-3 from deep, Declan Porter knocked down the first Ephs' trey to tie the game at 13 with 11:45 to go in the first half.
Cole Prowitt-Smith, making his return to the starting lineup, followed up Porter's long ball with one of his own.
Williams swiftly negated full-court press from Tufts, finding Hudson Hansen to go up 18-17. Fellow first-year stud Alex Lee also made his way to the rim for an assertive bucket, opening up the outside for a Spivy three-pointer just two possessions later to go up by six and force a Jumbos' timeout with 6:52 to go in the half.
After zero free throws in the first three-quarters of the half, the teams shot a total of 10 in the final four minutes as Tufts closed the half on a 12-6 run to tie the game at 31 heading into the break.
The Ephs committed nine turnovers in the first half, while the Jumbos registered just two. As a result, Tufts was able to play the quantity over quality game; the Jumbos' 11-30 shooting was enough to equal the Ephs' more efficient 12-22 (55%) statline in the period. Spivy's nine points led all scorers in the half.
A brilliant behind-the-back move from Nate Karren put the Ephs ahead by two to open the second half, and it seemed that with fewer turnovers, they could take control of the game.
What proceeded, however, was anything but.
The Ephs would miss their next nine field goals to open the half 1-10 as Tufts pulled ahead for a 47-35 lead. The Jumbos would then go on a 12-5 run out of the timeout, and the Ephs did not come closer than 13 the rest of the way.
"Spivy had 14 points, while Karren notched 13.
"I've been here before," App said. "You go through these unfortunate lulls of execution and confidence. You wish you didn't, but you have to come together and start enjoying it again. We'll get another opportunity tomorrow afternoon."
The Ephs are back in action tomorrow as they host Bates for senior day at 3 p.m. in Chandler to celebrate the illustrious careers of Spencer Spivy, Ryan Moon, and David Elien.
"My message to the team would be to quit worrying about everything, and just play. Get back to playing, smiling with your friends, and letting it happen. We have to put this one behind us and focus on tomorrow."
