Press Release Written by Mitchell Coll
NEWARK, Del. - - The Wilmington University men's basketball team dropped a tightly contested Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference matchup to the Thomas Jefferson University Rams Tuesday night at the WU Athletics Complex, 75-71.
Jordan Jackson and Randy Rickards led the Wildcats in the first half of play, both with nine points and both on four of six shooting. Rickards started the scoring for the 'Cats with a pump-fake and drive to the basket, finishing with a two-handed slam.
The first ten minutes of the game were back and forth as the score was even at 11, with 11:26 left to play. The Rams pulled away briefly with a layup and a made three-point shot to make the score 16-11 Rams. However, the 'Cats were slowly clawing their way back with help from the bench, as Skip Burton converted both free throws and a Calvin Thomas layup, pulling the Wildcats within three with under 10 minutes to go.
The Wildcats trailed at the most seven points in the first half, but Jordan Jackson turned a defensive rebound into fast break points as he found Rickards down the court for another two-hand slam. The Wildcats went into the half down five points, 40-35.
Half-time adjustments worked for Coach Dan Burke, as the Wildcats came out into the second half controlling the tempo. The Wildcats opened up the second half with a 15-5 run. Justin Thomas sparked the run with a three-point shot and earned three trips to the line, converting all six shots.
Halfway through the second half, the game was tied at 56 apiece. The game saw six lead changes the rest of the way through in a seesaw battle for the remaining 11:15 to play. Amiri Stewart turned defense into offense with 8:00 minutes to play and helped the Wildcats take a 62-60 lead. A Nalik Veasley free throw and a Randy Rickards layup pushed the lead five with 6:40 left of play. The Rams then went on an 8-0 run to take the lead by three points with four minutes to play.
The Wildcats found themselves within one point with 2:43 left of play as an Amiri Stewart layup made the score 70-69 Rams. Nalik Veasley gave the Wildcats the lead after grabbing an offensive board and laying it back up to have them up by one with 35 seconds left. The Rams then answered with a jump shot to take the lead 72-71 with 20 seconds to play. However, two turnovers by the Wildcats put the game out of reach as the Rams closed out the game 75-71.
Justin Thomas led the way for the Wildcats with 16 points, two rebounds, one assist, and one steal. Randy Rickards added 12 points, three rebounds, one assist, and three steals. Nalik Veasley added nine points and 15 rebounds.
The Wildcats travel to Bowie State this Saturday, December 10, to take on the Bulldogs in a non-conference matchup. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 pm.
