Sixth-ranked Men's Basketball Runs Past Assumption, 84-59
Box Score
BROOKVILLE, N.Y. (Dec. 29, 2008)- Behind junior forward Lyndon Daniel's double-double and senior guard Jonathan Schmidt's 25-point effort, the sixth –ranked C.W. Post Pioneers defeated the Assumption College Greyhounds, 84-59, and improved to 8-0, their best start in 45 years, matching an 8-0 start in 1963-64.
The Pioneers scored three quick buckets to open the game with a 6-0 advantage, and after a trey by senior guard Nick Carter (Huntington Station, N.Y.) at the 15:48 mark, they led 9-2. But the Greyhounds answered back with a trey of their own from Savoy Fraine. The teams played three scoreless minutes before a jumper by Assumption's Mike Baldarelli pulled the Greyhounds to within two points, 9-7.
The teams traded baskets and neither could gain a sizeable advantage for the next three minutes, but after the Greyhounds cut the Pioneer lead to 17-15, C.W. Post went on a 10-1 run capped by two free throws from Carter, and pushed their lead to 11 points (27-16) with 5:27 remaining in the half. CWP would head into halftime with a 14-point advantage, leading 37-23.
The Pioneers scored the first bucket of the second half, but the Greyhounds countered with a 9-0 run to pull to 39-32 at the 16:55 mark. However, the Pioneers answered with an 8-0 run of their own, capped by a jumper from Daniel, and pushed their lead back to double digits, 49-32, with 13:52 remaining. C.W. Post had little trouble the rest of the way, leading by as many as 25-points as it rolled to victory.
Schmidt's game-high 25 points paced the Pioneers, and he also added six assists. Daniel had an outstanding game with 17 points, 16 rebounds, and four blocks. Carter chipped in with 20 points and four assists, shooting 4-of-8 from downtown, and Kenny Burkes (Suitland, Md.) rounded out the scoring with 10 points and a game-high five steals.
The Pioneers hit for 50.8% on the evening, shooting 31-for 61, and 8-for-20 from behind the arc. They won the battle of the boards, out-rebounding Assumption 44-34, and held a sizeable 44-18 edge in points in the paint. CWP also took advantage of 20 Greyhound miscues, scoring 27 points off turnovers.
Mike Baldarelli scored 16 points to lead the Greyhounds, Savoy Fraine added 13, and Courtland Bluford chipped in with 10 points.
The Pioneers return to action on Saturday, Jan. 3, as they travel to Goldey-Beacom for a 3 p.m. matchup.