Box Score Waterville, Maine – Thomas College sophomore Franklin Salvador scored 18 of his game high 33 points in the second half and drained nine three point shots to help the Terriers hold off cross-town rival Colby College in a non-conference match up Tuesday evening. The 81-79 victory is the Terriers second in a row against the home standing Mules.
With the win the Terriers improve to 4-3 (1-1 NAC) as they end the Mules (3-3) three-game win streak.
The Mules had a dominating 59-33 advantage in rebounding, but the Terriers did a fine job of taking care of the ball. Thomas had just two turnovers in the first half in taking a 41-33 lead at intermission and had just six for the game to Colby's 17.
The Terriers went right back to work after the break going on a 15-3 run to take a 20 point lead with 15:50 remaining in the game. The Mules continued to claw their way back into the game and trailed the Terriers 72-57 with 8:41 to play. Over the next 1:30 of play the Mules cut the score to 72-66 with a 9-0 run. With 4:22 left on the clock the Terriers held a 79-72 lead when Colby's Connor O'Neil hit a lay with and then a three with 2:50 remaining to put the mules with in two. Colby's Eric Beaulieu tied the game at 79 a piece with 2:22 left.
The ball went back and forth for the next minute of play with neither team able to send the ball through the hoop. The Terriers broke the tie then junior guard Jarrad DeVaughn drained a lay-up with 43 seconds remaining. The Mules missed on a three point attempt and got another chance to tie after the Terriers failed to send two free throws through the hoop; however a turnover ended their chances.
Martin Cleveland had 15 points and a team-high seven rebounds for Thomas. DeVaughn had 14 points, while Salvador also had seven assists.
The Terriers travel to North Atlantic Conference new comer Colby-Sawyer on Friday December 9th; tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.
