Muskingum Nips W&J Late, 54-53, In Ohio
MUSKINGUM, Ohio -- Washington & Jefferson College had a potential game-winning shot fall off the rim with two seconds left and Muskingum University held on to defeat the Presidents 54-53 in non-conference men's basketball action Saturday afternoon at the MU Recreation Center.
The Muskies (2-3), who led by as many as 13 in the opening half, received a 20-point, eight-rebound effort from Josh Brindley. Brindley was named to the Washington Area Teachers Federal Credit Union Tournament at W&J last week.
Muskingum held the Presidents without a field goal for the final 3:38 after W&J had grabbed the lead. The W&J defense was equal to the task; however, and stayed alive by not allowing a Muskingum field goal for the final 4:57.
After leading 27-14 with 7:21 left in the first half, Muskingum's lead dwindled to 31-25 at halftime as the Presidents (2-3) closed with a 9-2 run. Freshman guard Andy Carter (North Huntingdon, Pa./Norwin) had four points during the rally.
Muskingum held onto the lead for a majority of the second half until freshman point guard Doug Johnson (Greensburg, Pa./Latrobe) put W&J in front 51-50 with a jumper at the 5:21 mark. The lead traded hands three times over the next three minutes, including Clay Owings' two free throws at the 2:42 mark which proved to be the game's final points.
W&J only had three shot attempts in the final three minutes. Miuskingum missed all four of its free throw attempts with 18 seconds left, but the Presidents were unable to convert on their final possession.
Carter was the only President in double figures with 18 points (7-of-9 shooting). He also had four rebounds and three assists. Sophomore point guard Brett Rubin-Goldstein (Pittsburgh, Pa./Fox Chapel) added nine points, five rebounds and four assists. The Presidents shot 49 percent (21-of-43), but were outrebounded by a 34-27 margin.
The Muskies shot 42 percent from the field (20-of-48), but only connected on 13-of-26 free throws. Kyle Clinedinst contributed 14 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.
W&J looks to snap its three-game losing streak on Tuesday in Ohio at Notre Dame College (7:00 pm).
