Devils Defeat Griffins for First Win of Season

The University of the Sciences Men’s Basketball Team placed four players in double figures as they earned their first win of the 2005-06 campaign tonight, defeating the Gwynedd Mercy College Griffins, 80-64.

Bill Kurtz (Jr., Shawnee HS/Shamong, NJ) made seven of 11 shots from the field, including four from beyond the three-point arc to lead all scorers with 22 points. Eric Cangelosi (Jr., Camden Catholic HS/Haddon Heights, NJ), returning to action after missing the last two games due to illness, had 17 points and seven rebounds.

Joining Kurtz and Cangelosi in double figures for the Devils were Collin Harrington (Jr., Bishop Eustace HS/Sewell, NJ) and Howard Lanier (So., St. Augustine Prep/ Sicklerville, NJ). Harrington made six of eight shots from the field for 16 points while Lanier added 10 points of 5-for-8 shooting from the field. Harrington and Keith Dundas (So., Pennsbury HS/ Morrisville, PA) joined Cangelosi for game-high honors on the boards with seven.

Tom Keenan was the lone Griffin in double figures with 13 points.

The Devils took advantage of some torrid shooting in the first half to open a 16-point lead, 48-32. USP made 16 of 23 shots in the period (69.6%) including four of six from long range. The Devils also connected on 12 of 19 free throws. The Griffins, who never led the entire game, shot just 42.9% in the first half (12-28).

For the game, USP shot 56.3% (27-48) from the field and 21-for-34 from the charity stripe (61.8%). Gwynedd Mercy was 25-for-56 from the field (44.6%) and made 11 of 18 free throws (61.1%). The Devils held a decisive 40-22 advantage on the boards.

The Devils opened the second half with a 9-4 run to take their biggest lead of the game, 23 points, 59-36 at the 15:45 mark with Cangelosi scoring seven of the Devils nine points during the run. The Griffins then went on a 12-0 run over the next 4:15 to creep back within 11, 59-48 before the Devils scored the five points to boost the lead back up to 16, 64-48 with 9:32 left. The Devils outscored Gwynedd Mercy 13-6 over the next 6:15 to go back up by 23, 77-54 with just 3:17 left before settling in for the 16-point win, 80-64.

USP’s record is now 1-7 overall.

USP's next game will be another non-league matchup on December 29, 2005 against Chestnut Hill College. Tip off is slated for 7 p.m.