Bobby Martinez – Sports Writer
NEW HAVEN– On a fall weekend, Southern Connecticut’s men’s basketball team tipped off their first two games of the season against Molloy College and University of Bridgeport at Hubbell Gymnasium in Bridgeport,Conn.
“It’s always a great performance when we get the win,” said junior captain Smith in a post-game interview with Associate Director of Athletics/Communications Mike Kobylanski. “For our first game to play against a good team in Molloy who won close to 20 games last year it’s a great performance for us.”
Coming off two preseason losses against UConn and University of Rhode Island, the Owls played at the University of Bridgeport as part of the UB Men’s Basketball Classic. Molloy got on the board first with a trip to the line for two free throws due to a Owls foul by sophomore forward Stefon Williams.
Senior forward Greg Langston attempted the Owls first shot of the game with a missed three point attempt. Smith pulled down his first of eight rebound of the game and score the Owls first points of the game with a put back layup tying the game at two apiece.
A minute into the game, Molloy’s senior center Tyler Hammet scored a layup giving them a 4-2 lead with 19 minutes left in the first half. For the next six minutes both teams were back and forth trading baskets resulting into 18-18 tie with 11:28 left in the game forcing Owls head coach Mike Donnelly to call a timeout.
Coming out of the timeout, William attempted a layup but was fouled by Hammet and was sent to the line for two free throws in which he made one of two. With a Owls 19-18 lead, both teams went a minute scoreless until freshman Michael Mallory flushed a two point jump shot giving the Owls a 21-18 lead with 10 minutes left in the first half.
Mallory and junior guard Luke Houston helped the Owls score the next seven points. The Owls defense was too much for Molloy in the first half which resulted to 1906 run by the Owls and a comfortable 17 point lead heading into the half.
The Owls outscored Molloy in the post with 24 points scored in the paint against Molloy’s 14. The Owls closed the first half shooting 60 percent from the field alongside 50 percent behind the arc.
As the second half started, Molloy’s defense was much sharper then the Owls. The Owls came out flat in the second half losing their 17 point lead four minutes into he second half. Molloy’s bench managed to spark there run and cutting the deficit to a 55-47 lead.
Langston and countered back with a trey off and assist from Smith giving them a 58-47 lead. With 15:10 left in the second half, junior forward Jose Cruz blocked a shot that lead to a Owls fast break bucket by Smith extending the lead to 15.
Despite a late surge by Molloy, the Owls defensive pressure against Molloy and also fast break points helped the Owls secure their first win in their season opener. In 36 minutes, Langston shot 9-16 tallying up 24 points. Smith almost had a triple double but finished with 22 points 10 assists and eight rebounds.
The Owls team play managed to have five guys in double figures. Smith said it’s important for the guys on the team to put in as much work possible throughout the season if they plan on having a good year.
“We feel like were a deep team and each guy it could be there night,” said Smith. “Were a special team and a hard team to guard because we have so many weapons.”
As the Owls secured their first win on the season, they squared up the following night against University of Bridgeport. The entire game was back and forth every minute of the game. Owls did trail by seven points with eight minutes left in the first half.
The Owls went on a late half run which helped them knot the game up at 40 a piece heading into the half. Houston opened up the half with a three point shot giving them a 40-43 lead. With 14 minutes left in the game, the Owls had an 11 point lead after a Cruz layup off an assist from Smith.
Bridgeport managed to get back into the game and taking a lead 66-65 with six minutes left in the game. Smith finished the game by scoring eight of the Owls final 10 points of the game. The final minute of the game the Owls managed to hit key free throws. The Owls closed out the game with Williams securing the rebound and giving the Owls there second win of the season 77-73.
Smith said after the game that his team expected the game to be intense and was glad they managed to leave with the win.
“We knew it was going to be a war,” said Smith, “ with them no matter how good or how many players they lose.”
Coming into the game Smith said there were doubts whether or not they would be able to win this game but they overcame the talks and he is happy with his team.
“We know were a good team,” said Smith, “and as soon as adversity hit that’s what makes it so special that we can stay together as one and come out with a win.”
With a the game going back and forth for the full length of the 40 minutes, Smith said team work was the main reason his team left with a victory.
“Like I said,” said Smith, “this team is special. Any guy can be any man’s night. Greg carried us in the first half and I felt it was my job to bring us home. For me to carry the scoring load and make plays as other guys stepped up is big for us and will make us a better team.”
The Owls will seek their third win on the season against Concordia University in New York Friday, Nov. 15.
