Men's Basketball News

HAWKS WIN THRILLER TO OPEN SEASON

November 11, 2005 - The CSM men's basketball team won their season opener, defeating Mercyhurst Northeast 74-72 on the opening day of the CSM Classic.  In the first game, in a battle of ranked teams, #17 Prince George's defeated #18 Beaver 89-88.

     With :46 left in the game, CSM held a 71-67 lead, but Ricky Marzett missed the front end of a one and one, leaving the door open for Mercyhurst Northeast.  Mario McGee hit a lay-up and was fouled.  McGee converted the free throw, pulling the Saints to within one at 71-70, with :38 left in the game. 

      CSM's Thomas Whinnett was fouled with :30 left, and hit the front end of the one and one, putting CSM up 72-70.  The Saints came right back, as Julian Pinkston hit a lay-up for Mercyhurst to tie the game at 72-72 with 14.6 seconds left in the game.

     With time running down, CSM's Anthony Stowe drove to the basket and was able to arch his shot into the basket over a host of defenders, giving the Hawks a 74-72 lead with just 3.5 seconds left on the clock.

      The Saints had one last chance, as they threw the ball to half court and called time-out with 1.8 seconds left on the clock.  As they set up their last play, a bad inbounds pass was intercepted by the Hawks, and time expired, giving CSM the exhilarating win.

      Marko Hamlin and Anthony Stowe led a balanced Hawk attack, each scoring 14 pts., while Michael Milstead added 12 for CSM.  Julian Pinkston scored 19, and Mario McGee had 18 pts. to lead the Saints.

      The first game between P.G. and Beaver was just as exciting, as the two top ranked teams went toe to toe the entire game, with neither team able to get ahead by more then six points.  Trailing 88-86 with time running out, Gary Heureaux missed his three point attempt, but was fouled in the act of shooting.  With no time left on the clock, Heureauz made all three foul shots to give the Owls the thrilling come from behind win, 89-88.

      The CSM Classic continues on Saturday, with Prince George's playing Mercyhurst Northeast at 1:00 PM, followed by CSM against Beaver at 3:00 PM.