Salisbury, MD (November 16, 2018) - The DeSales University men's basketball team fell to Johns Hopkins University, 85-78, in the first round of the Salisbury Optimist International Tournament on Friday evening.
The Basics
- Final Score:Â Johns Hopkins - 85, DeSales - 78
- Records:Â DeSales (1-2); Johns Hopkins (2-1)
How it Happened
- DeSales scored the first five points of the game and continued to lead by five (10-5) 7:37 into the game.
- After two free throws from sophomore Timmy Edwards gave DSU a 21-19 lead, JHU used a 12-2 run over the next three minutes to take an eight point lead and led by seven at the halftime break (41-34).
- Hopkins opened the second-half with a 13-4 run to extend its seven point halftime cushion up to 16 points (54-38) at the 17:03 mark.
- DSU got to within 11 points several times over the next 10+ minutes but never any closer until a 10-1 run capped off by a dunk from senior Luke Connaghan with 59 seconds left pulled the Bulldogs within five (82-77).
- After consecutive timeouts, the Bluejays got a three from Michael Gardner to push the lead back up to eight points with 26 seconds left and the Bulldogs were unable to get any closer the rest of the way.
Top Bulldog Performers
- Connaghan recorded his first double-double of the season with 17 points and a game-high 12 points.
- Junior Ben Pratt added a team and career-high 18 points and junior Tracy Simsick finished with 11 points.
- Junior Julian Wing led the bench with eight points.
For the Foes
- Gardner led all scorers with 30 points, hitting seven three-pointers.
- Daniel Vila had 13 points and nine rebounds and Connor Delaney finished with 10 points.
Inside the Box Score
- The Bulldogs hit just 36.7 percent from the field in the second half and hit 40.7 percent for the game.
- DSU shot very well from the free throw line hitting 30-of-39 (76.9 percent) from the charity stripe.
- DeSales out-rebounded Hopkins by one, 35-34.
Up Next
- The Bulldogs will take on Lancaster Bible College in the consolation game tomorrow at 2:00 pm.
