Waterville, ME – Men's Basketball came up short against the University of Maine Fort Kent Bengals in a back-and-forth battle 72-75 on Sunday, January 7
th, 2024.
Thomas College: Overall (5-8), NAC (2-1)
University of Maine Fort Kent: Overall (4-4), USCAA (1-2)
How it Happened:
- This game once again started as a back-and-forth contest, with both teams trading points until it was 10-10 five minutes in.
- A layup by Metin Yavuz and three-pointer by Jackson Ruelke shortly after gave the Terriers a five-point lead.
- The Bengals were able to rally back, trading points with the Terriers until they took back the lead with five minutes left in the first half.
- Cooper Wirkala would go on to score seven points with four minutes left in the first half, helping the Terriers to a 33-30 halftime lead.
- The Bengals started the second half well, going on a 10-0 run in three minutes of action to give them a 40-33 lead.
- The Terriers were quick to respond with six points, but the Bengals kept their consistency.
- With 12 minutes remaining in the game, the Terriers went on an 8-2 run to take the lead yet again, 51-50.
- The Bengals quickly took back the lead, but the Terriers wouldn't give up easily.
- Both teams battled it out until the final few minutes, when the Terriers went on an 8-0 run thanks to some clutch free throws from James Phelan and a three-pointer from Parker Desjardins.
- This cut the Bengal lead to just one with 20 seconds left on the clock, but the Bengals sank both of their remaining free throws and came up with a huge steal to get the win.
- The final score was a 72-75 loss for the Terriers, coming up just short in this back-and-forth contest.
Inside the Stats:
- The Terriers dominated in points off of turnovers with 15, compared to the four produced by the Bengals.
- Wirkala would lead all Terrier scorers with 15 points, while adding three rebounds.
- Troy Tinch scored 12 points in 15 minutes, going 6/10 from the field.
What's Next:
- Men's Basketball will look to bounce back as they travel to Castine, Maine, to take on Maine Maritime Academy on Tuesday, January 9th, 2024. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 PM.