Auburn, ME – In a hard fought, physical contest, the Mustangs hang on to nip the Bobcats of Paul Smith College 63-59 at Kirk Hall.
This is the first time in weeks the Mustangs have had three days off without a game. They were fresh and ready for a tough game. After watching the overtime victory the Bobcats had in Kirk Hall yesterday against UMA, the home team knew it had its hands full. The Bobcats are big, strong, and throw their bodies around recklessly. They are relentless on the boards and, in fact, outrebounded CM 43-41.
The Mustangs started the game hitting shots, executing, and running the floor. A CM double-digit lead ran into the middle of the first half before Paul Smith went on a 12-4 run going into halftime. Even though CM went to the locker room up 32-25 at the half, Coach Gonyea and his staff had some concerns.
The second half began with a great pass from Corey David to Saikwon Williams for dunk. A Nick Dierynck two increased the lead to 36-25. Back and forth, the game went until CM got in some foul trouble. AJ Cunningham, Williams, and Dierynck all picked up four fouls and required to sit. Steady play from Captain David managing the offense and keeping the squad together was key down the stretch.
Williams registered his usual double double with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Dierynck was one rebound away from a double double with 14 points and 9 rebounds.
Coach Gonyea responded, "It's a win. We played pretty well in the first half, moved the ball, hit shots and played good interior defense. We got away from that the second half but managed to hang on for the W. The guys will practice for a couple of days and take a much earned break for Thanksgiving."