Big Runs Ruin Wilmington Men’s Basketball Chances, Fall 64-58 to Washington Adventist

TAKOMA PARK, Md. - - Runs of 17-0 and 17-4 to close out each half by Washington Adventist ruined the chances of the Wilmington University men's basketball to avenge an early season loss to the Shock, this time falling 64-58 at The Pitt on Tuesday evening.

The Wildcats (5-8 overall) bounced back from a 17-0 first half spurt by Washington Adventist (6-8 overall) to take a second half lead, but another late surge allowed the Shock to take both games from the 'Cats this season.

Wilmington finished with two players in double figures, led by Corye Payton who tallied a team high 13 points and six rebounds. Rashaun Rasheed picked up 11 points and tied the team high with six rebounds off the bench. Herbert Dennis dished out five helpers on the night, also adding nine points in the losing effort.

The game started as a close, hard fought battle and Wilmington was finally able to get over the hump and took its first lead on a pair of free throws by Brett Foskey. Another free throw by Payton put the Wildcats up two, 17-15, but that is when the Shock took over. Brandon Washington started the onslaught with a lay-in before a three by Daray Hill opened the floodgates. When all said and done, Washington Adventist took a 32-17 lead with 4:46 left in the first half. Wilmington's Brandon Fox, James Pee and Jarvis Perry each put home a layup, but the 'Cats still headed into the halftime break trailing 35-24.

A 12-4 Wildcats run to open the second half cut the deficit to three with 12:55 remaining in regulation, with the final bucket coming on a three-pointer by Rasheed, his lone attempt on the night. The Shock went back up by eight but another 12-1 run by Wilmington allowed the visitors to take the lead, 48-45 with 6:55 remaining.

Following a timeout by Washington Adventist, Brandon Washington jump started a 17-4 rally over the next five minutes to take a commanding 10 point lead with only 19 seconds remaining. Jamie Newton hit a game changing three with 5:50 left on the clock, giving the Shock the lead for good, 51-48.

Back-to-back layups by Dennis with 15 seconds remaining cut it to six points, giving the 'Cats an opportunity, but Newton sank both free-throws to ice the game, and give the home squad the 64-56 victory.

Newton led all scorers with 22 points while Marcus Coleman picked up a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Washington also tallied double-digits, collecting 10 points on the night.

Wilmington returns to the court and Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference action this Saturday as they head to Holy Family for a 12 noon start.