ST. MARY'S CITY, Md. – The St. Mary's College of Maryland men's basketball team secured their position in the United East Conference Volt Division Semifinals following a decisive 70-47 victory over Gallaudet University on Saturday afternoon. This win marks the Seahawks' fourth triumph over Gallaudet this season, propelling them with a 15-11 record while Gallaudet stands at 3-23.
The third-seeded Seahawks will now face the challenge of No. 2 seed Lancaster Bible College in Lancaster, Pa., on Monday, February 19. The upcoming semifinal match is anticipated to be intense as both teams have previously secured home-court victories against each other during the regular season. The Seahawks managed an 81-79 win on December 2, while Lancaster Bible College claimed a 100-95 victory on January 30.
The game began with both teams struggling to find their pace, resulting in a narrow 11-9 lead for St. Mary's College midway through the first half. However, the Seahawks quickly shifted gears, embarking on a 19-9 run that widened their lead to 30-18 with just 1:29 left in the half. This offensive surge was a collective effort, featuring scores from seven players.
Entering the second half with a 31-23 lead, St. Mary's College swiftly extended their advantage with a 21-6 run in the first seven minutes, including four three-pointers and minimal turnovers. Daryn Alexander, a fifth-year captain from Twinbrook, Md., spearheaded this effort with eight points, while sophomore guard Micah Henry from Laurel, Md., contributed five points to the run.
The Seahawks showcased their teamwork with 19 assists on 24 field goals, a season third-best. Henry and Alexander were pivotal in distributing the ball, with five and six assists, respectively. On defense, the team demonstrated their prowess with a season second-best of six blocks and 12 steals, underlining their comprehensive game strategy.
St. Mary's College dominated the paint, outscoring Gallaudet 34-12, with nearly half of their points coming from this area. Alexander scored 19 points, accompanied by four assists, three rebounds, and two steals. Henry added 13 points, five assists, and four rebounds, while senior forward Gary Grant and sophomore forward Jake Koverman also contributed significantly to the Seahawks' victory.
Gallaudet University's effort was led by Blessed Mbogo and Rory Lewis, who ended the game as the top scorers for the Bison with 12 points each.
As St. Mary's College looks ahead to the semifinals against Lancaster Bible College, they carry the momentum of this substantial victory and the challenge of competing on an opponent's home court. The Seahawks' next game is scheduled for 7 pm at the Horst Athletic Center in Lancaster, Pa., where they aim to continue their journey in the Volt Division Semifinals.
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