Press Release written by Mitchell Coll
NEWARK, Del. - - The Wilmington University men's basketball team found themselves on the other end of a three-point shooting spree yet again as Post University shoots 65.2 percent from beyond the arc (15-of-23) to take the contest 92-81 in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference cross-divisional matchup this Saturday afternoon.
After the first basket of the game made by Taalib Holloman and a quick three-pointer assisted by Justin Thomas, the Eagles exploded to a 31-5 run just nine minutes into the contest. The deficit of 26 points was the largest for the Wildcats in the game, as the 'Cats had to dig themselves out of a hole early. The Eagles made nine threes in their opening 31-5 run.
At 11:03, Nalik Veasley made a layup from an assistant by Caleb Matthews, which started a better offensive efficiency, as the Wildcats were able to cut the deficit down to 18 points with 5:25 left in the first half with an Amiri Stewart layup.
At 2:00, Randy Rickards converted a layup, and then on the defensive side of the ball, Caleb Matthews stole the ball, which led to a layup made by Skip Burton from Rickards. Burton's basket cut the deficit to 13 points with 1:41 left to play. The Wildcats went into the half down 47-34.
For the first half of the second half, the Wildcats were able to cut the deficit down to trailing as little as five points. However, the Wildcats started to connect on their shots in the opening minutes of the second half. Marcus Pierce gave the Wildcats energy in the early goings and converted an 'and-one' layup from an assist by Amiri Stewart. Pierce completed the three-point play at the free throw line to put the 'Cats within 10 points. Pierce continued to drive to the basket as he made two more layups at 18:30 and 17:17.
A Justin Thomas three-pointer put the Wildcats within five, 62-57, with 10:31 left to play. Down to 7:45 left to play, the Eagles went on a 12-6 run to push the lead back to double-digits to 11 points. At 3:31 was the last time the Wildcats had the game at a single-digit deficit, trailing by eight points, 81-73. The Wildcats attempted to foul the Post in the nearing minutes of the game, but the Post Eagles were able to connect on their foul shots to put the game out of reach for the Wildcats.
The Wildcats had two scorers eclipse the 20-point scoring mark. Randy Rickards led the way with 22 points, 13 boards, three assists, and a block. Justin Thomas scored 21 points, had two assists, and two rebounds. Marcus Pierce and Taalib Holloman both added 13 points.
The Wildcats will return on Wednesday, February 15, at 7:00 PM. The 'Cats will play their last non-conference game while hosting Queens College at the WU Athletics Complex.