NEW LONDON, Conn. – Powered by two 20-point nights for Connecticut College's senior David Murray and sophomore Elias Espinosa, the UMass Dartmouth men's basketball team fell, 59-71, to Connecticut College on Saturday. The Corsairs dip to 9-8 overall, while the Camels improve to 13-5.
In the first half, UMass Dartmouth had to overcome a hot shooting half from three-point range for Connecticut College. The Camels saw Espinosa sink 2 of 3 three-pointers in the first half, as they made 4 of 8 as a team, while UMass Dartmouth went just 1 for 7 from deep.
The Corsairs kept even throughout the half, getting an efficient 12 points on 6 for 8 shooting from fifth year senior
Jackson Zancan. Sophomore
Josh Lopes shot 4 of 7 from the floor for nine first-half points. After a free throw from Lopes cut UMD's deficit to one, an Espinosa three-pointer put the Camels up, 34-30 at the half.
While UMass Dartmouth's shooting percentage improved in the second half, the Corsairs could not stop the attack of the Camels. Espinosa nailed four more three-pointers in, marking six for the day for him. UMD senior
Isaac Percy and sophomore
John Marcille began to find their stroke, netting a pair of threes each the second half.
At the 9:11 mark of the second half, the Camels ramped up their defense, only allowing two points for the Corsairs over a seven-minute stretch. A Murray layup sparked a 13-2 run for Connecticut College that extended their lead from 55-51 to 69-53 with just 35 seconds to go. After two Marcille three-pointers to end the game, UMass Dartmouth fell 71-59.
The UMD scoring was led by Zancan and Lopes, who combined for 34 of the Corsairs' 59 points. Zancan posted a team-high 19 points on 50.0% efficiency. Lopes scored 15 on 7 for 13 from the field with eight rebounds. The team outscored the Camels on second chance opportunities, 12-4.
Leading the way offensively for Connecticut College was the duo of Espinosa and Murray, who tallied 22 and 20 points, respectively. Espinosa shot a scorching-hot 6 for 10 from three-point range and shot 8 for 13 from the floor. Murray's 20 points came on a steady 9 for 15 from the floor with six rebounds, three assists and two blocks. As a team, the Camels shot 45.0% from deep, and outscored the Corsairs in points off turnovers (I12-6) and fast break points (17-5).
The Corsairs return home and return to their Conference slate, hosting Eastern Connecticut on Wednesday. The Little East Conference bout is scheduled for 7:00pm at the Tripp Athletic Center.
