South Portland, ME – Despite a herculean effort by Pietro Badalassi and superb bench play, the Mustangs dropped their second game in the Yankee Tournament by an 82-74 score to SMCC.
CM has been banged up with injuries and illnesses for the past three weeks. Bad news, good news--with sharpshooter Josh Cote sidelined with a knee problem, Pietro Badalassi came back from three weeks of intense rehab on his sprained ankle. Even playing at 60%, Pietro gave the Mustangs an emotional lift that carried the squad the first half. CM went to the locker room down 41-40 at the half.
SMCC veterans John Morgan and Chase Soares hit shot after shot for the SeaWolves including Soares hitting three straight threes in the last five minutes of the game to break open a tie contest.
The Mustangs battled all game with great bench play from Kionno Nelson, Charles Cedre, Jon Moore, Nick Bagley, and Anthony York. All made solid contributions with Nelson hitting key shots keeping CM close all game. Cedre was a key on both sides of the ball, hitting for 10 points but making great defensive plays all game.
Cornellius Lawhorn led the Mustangs with 16 points on a 6-10 shooting performance. Lawhorn also played on a tore up ankle from the previous day. Nelson was 4-7 from long range hitting for 14 points.
For the four seniors, Badalassi, York, Moore, and Rob Skinner, this was their last game in a CM uniform. We will be putting together a season summery soon to highlight the year.
CM finished the year 20-12 and is eliminated from the Yankee Playoffs and out of USCAA Tournament consideration.