There was only one game on the docket Thursday night, and it was a battle for second place in the ECC between two teams riding four-game winning streaks. Here's how it went down:
DAEMEN 82 BRIDGEPORT 73
Arif Mehmetaj equaled his career high with 30 points (11-19 FG) and pulled down six rebounds in leading Daemen past Bridgeport in Buffalo to gain sole possession of second place in the ECC. The Wildcats - who have now won five straight - faced an uphill battle most of the night, falling into a 29-14 hole just past the midway point of the first half, then staring at a 44-34 deficit following two technical foul shots to begin the second. Mehmetaj dominated play as the hosts caught up, and the game hung in the balance during the middle of the period before a 20-6 run made the difference, transforming a 59-57 deficit at the 8:37 mark into a 77-65 advantage with 1:01 to play. Mehmetaj orchestrated the run with the tying free throws (7:42) and go-ahead 3-pointer (7:11), while Deion Hamilton came up big with four hoops shortly thereafter, highlighting an 11-point bench effort. Hannah Supreme continued his strong play of late with 17 points, six rebounds and four assists for Daemen, which also received 13 points and career-best eight boards from three-time defending ECC Rookie of the Week Jeff Redband. Kyle Benjamin - who played his first two collegiate seasons at nearby Erie Community College - topped the Purple Knights' scorecard with 15 points (7-11 FG) and eight rebounds. He was supported by Sam Joseph (13 points despite 6-of-19 shooting, 1-of-9 from 3, four assists) and Stefano Osuji (all 12 points and seven rebounds in the first half before sitting out most of the second with an injury). Bridgeport shot at a higher clip (45%-40%) and dished out more than twice as many assists (21-10) but were destroyed at the foul line (20-22 to 3-5) and committed 12 turnovers to just five for the Wildcats, leading to a 17-7 scoring disparity. The game was nearly the polar opposite of the prior meeting in Connecticut two months ago, during which Daemen jumped out to an early 15-point lead before losing by 10. The P-Knights - who have slipped into fifth pace with the setback - continue their swing through Western New York on Friday with a game in Rochester vs. Roberts Wesleyan.