Brockport Rallies in Second Half to Edge Saints, 75-72
by:
Whit Haynes '10Senior Andy Hoercher racked up 12 points Sunday against Brockport.
Nov. 15: The St. Lawrence University men's basketball team opened the 2009-10 season on Sunday afternoon against Brockport in the Burkman Gymnasium. The Golden Eagles used a 44 point second half to erase an 11-point halftime deficit and edge the Saints, 75-72.
The Saints fall to an overall record of 0-1, while Brockport improves to 1-0.
Sophomore guard Garrett Sharlow scored a game high 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting for St. Lawrence, while seniors Andy Hoercher and Josh Sharlow chipped in 12 points each. Five Brockport players scored in double digits, paced by Josh Zenkel's 15 points.
St. Lawrence owned the opening 20 minutes as they shot 76% from the floor, including 7-of-8 from behind the arc. The Saints used this impressive offensive performance to build a solid 36-22 lead with five minutes remaining in the first half. The Scarlet and Brown used a strong transition game and earned easy fast-break points.
Brockport's Jermaine Johnson hit a three-pointer to cut his team's deficit to five at 36-31, but Garrett Sharlow responded by sinking a three-pointer to cap the first half scoring with St. Lawrence on top, 42-31.
Despite facing a double-digit deficit, Brockport came out strong in the second half and fueled an 11-0 run with tough defense that forced several St. Lawrence turnovers. Greg Schiefen gave the Golden Eagles their first lead since 7-6 when he knocked down his second consecutive three-pointer for a 46-44 advantage.
The Saints would respond by retaking a five point edge at 55-50, but neither team was able to create separation from the other. With 3:42 left in regulation, Garrett Sharlow and Hoercher scored back-to-back lay-ups for a 65-63 St. Lawrence lead, but Francisco Lantigua converted a three-point play 1:13 later to give Brockport a 68-67 advantage.
After Hoercher knocked down a pair of free throws, Johnson would deliver a dagger by nailing a three-pointer out of the corner to give the Golden Eagles a 71-69 lead with 1:14 on the clock. After sophomore Terry Parham's three-point attempt missed, Zenkel made two clutch free throws to extend his team's lead to four points. Though Josh Sharlow would convert an off-balance three-pointer with eight seconds left to pull his team to within one possession, Brockport was able to hang on for a 75-72 victory.
Josh Sharlow and Zenkel each had five assists in the game, while sophomore Ralph Temgoua turned in a game-high eight rebounds. A key to the game proved to be turnovers, as St. Lawrence committed 21 compared to Brockport's 11. The Golden Eagles also made nine steals to the Saints' three.
St. Lawrence will look to pick up its first win of the young season on Friday, November 20 at the Franklin & Marshall Tournament against Gwynedd Mercy. Tip-off is set for 6:00 pm.