Men’s Basketball Holds Off Norwich for 71–68 GNAC Win
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Norwich | 34 | 34 | 68 |
|
Mitchell | 43 | 28 | 71 |
NEW LONDON, Conn. – The Mitchell College men's basketball team built a commanding first-half lead and then withstood a late charge to earn a 71–68 Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) victory over Norwich University on Saturday afternoon at the Yarnall Athletic Center.
Mitchell seized control early, opening the game on a 15–6 run and stretching its advantage to as many as 17 points in the first half. The Mariners shot 51.6 percent from the field in the opening 20 minutes and knocked down four three-pointers, taking a 43–34 lead into halftime. Sophomore Abdul Mansaray (Jacksonville, Fla.) scored 15 of his team-high 25 points in the first half, repeatedly attacking the rim and converting in transition.
Norwich chipped away throughout the second half behind Michel Ndayishimiye, who finished with a game-high 32 points. The Cadets cut the deficit to single digits multiple times, but Mitchell answered with timely baskets, including a key three-pointer by sophomore Tommy Daly (Wethersfield, Conn.) at the 3:38 mark that pushed the lead to 68–61.
Norwich made one final push in the closing minute, pulling within 70–68 with 33 seconds remaining. After a defensive stop, Mitchell secured the rebound, and Mansaray sealed the win by knocking down a crucial free throw with 26 seconds left. The Mariners then forced a contested three-point attempt at the buzzer to preserve the victory.
Mansaray finished with 25 points and nine rebounds, while Ndayishimiye recorded a double-double for Norwich by adding 10 boards. Senior Brandon Lee (Stockton, Calif.) added 12 points and 10 rebounds for Mitchell, and junior Troy Butler (Manchester, Conn.) contributed 13 points and six assists. Daly chipped in 13 points, including three three-pointers.
Mitchell shot 45.9 percent from the field and committed just 13 turnovers, while holding Norwich to 3-of-16 shooting from beyond the arc. The Mariners led for over 39 minutes but were outrebounded, 42–34.
Jordan Ricketts (12 points) and Joe Joe DuBrul (10 points, seven rebounds) also finished in double figures for Norwich.
The Mariners (7–14, 3–6 GNAC) continue conference play on Wednesday, February 11, when they host intrastate foe Albertus Magnus College with tip-off scheduled for 5:00 p.m.
