READING, Pa. - The Albright men's basketball team (5-6, 2-2 MAC Commonwealth) was in action on Thursday afternoon and squared off against Washington & Jefferson College (9-2) in the opening round of the DoubleTree Holiday Tournament. Washington & Jefferson will move on to the tournament championship game to facSalisbury after escaping with a 90-88 win over Albright.
In the first half the Presidents from Washington & Jefferson jumped out to an early lead and were able to keep the Lions at an arm's length away throughout the first half. The Presidents shot 57% from the floor to take a 53-37 lead after the first 20 minutes of play. Nick Gearhart of Washington & Jefferson led all scorers with 11 in the first half.
The Lions nearly pulled off a historic comeback after trailing by as many as 24 in the second half. Albright scored 51 second half points thanks to 54% shooting from the floor.
A 28-5 run spanning over seven minutes of the second half for Albright got them all the way back in the game. The 24 point deficit was quickly erased, rejuvenating the faithful contingent of Albright supporters.
The Presidents held the slimmest of margins with just a minute left leading Albright by one, 85-84. Free throws were abundant down the stretch with each team unable to afford a miss.
With four seconds left Jeremiah Stanton was fouled on a three-pointer. Stanton hit two of three to tie the game up at 88 a piece.
The ensuing inbounds play was unfavorable to the Lions as they were called for a foul with two seconds to go. Washington & Jefferson knocked down their two free throws and escaped with a 90-88 victory.
Eric Chamberlain poured in a game high and career high 23 points for the Lions. He also added three rebounds and assists for an all-around solid performance.
Qadir Mitchell scored 11 points giving himself a career high for the first year guard. Zyon Grant rounded out the Lions in double figures scoring 10 points and adding four rebounds and two assists.
UP NEXT:
In the first game of the tournament, Salisbury (MD) defeated Hamilton (NY) by a final score of 69-66. Albright will play in the first game tomorrow of the DoubleTree Holiday Tournament. Tomorrow's game (Dec 30) will begin at 2 p.m. in the Bollman Center against Hamilton (NY).
