Comeback Effort by Devils Falls Short

The University of the Sciences men’s basketball team’s battle back from a 20-point second half deficit fell just short as the Post University Eagles defeated the Devils 71-64 today in Waterbury, CT.

The loss drops the Devils to 0-7 overall and 0-5 in CACC games. Post improved to 2-4 overall, 1-3 in the CACC.

Bill Kurtz (Jr., Shawnee HS/Shamong, NJ) led the Devils with 22 points while Collin Harrington (Jr., Bishop Eustace HS/Sewell, NJ) added 10. Post put four players in double figures, led by Arthur Robertson’s 22 points. A.J. Reitter had 13 points while Peter Lawal and Isa Carnegie chipped in 10 apiece. Lawal also recorded a game-high 16 rebounds and six blocked shots.

The Devils shot 28.3% from the field (17-60) compared to the Eagles 44.4% (24-54). USP was 24-35 from the free throw line (68.6%) while Post was 18-25 (72%). The Devils committed only 16 turnovers to Post's 34 but were outrebounded 55-24,

Trailing by 10 at the half, 25-15, the Devils fell further behind as the second half progressed and trailed by 20, 54-34 with just under eight minutes remaining. A 20-7 run by USP over the next 6:23 whittled the lead to just four points, 61-57, making it a two possession game. Kurtz started the run with a three-point field goal and added two more and a pair of foul shots to account for 11 of the Devils 20 points during the comeback attempt. Free throws by Howard Lanier (So., St. Augustine Prep/ Sicklerville, NJ), Keith Dundas (So., Pennsbury HS/Morrisville, PA), Jarrod Frazier (Fr., St. Augustine Prep/Port Norris, NJ) and a three-pointer by Michael Mullane (Jr., Cherokee HS/Marlton, NJ) accounted for the other nine points.

With just 1:32 remaining, the Devils sent the Eagles to the foul line. Post connected on 10 of 12 free throws down the stretch to seal the win as the Devils could pull no closer than four, 67-63 in the game’s final seconds.

Next up for USP will be a home game on December 20, 2005 against Gwynedd Mercy College. Tip off is scheduled for 7 p.m.