Wednesday, January 19, 2011 (Newton, Massachusetts) – Five Mount Ida College men's basketball player notched double figures but was unable to keep pace with visiting Norwich University in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) action falling 81-70 Wednesday night in Newton, Massachusetts. The Mustangs continue their conference skid dropping their fourth GNAC bid in a row falling to an overall record of 4-10 standing at 1-5 in conference play while the Cadets improve to 6-7 on the year going 2-4 in the GNAC.
The visitors opened the game with a 7-2 run capped off by a successful lay-in from Cadet junior Antonio Davis (Albany, NY/Bishop Maginn) at the 17:29 mark in the first half.
The Mustangs came right back to capture a 10-9 advantage after a made trifecta by junior Keith Jones (Boston, MA/Lake Brantley (FL)/Mass. Bay C.C.).
Norwich followed by taking a nine point lead during the next three minutes of play up 23-14 after a successful three pointer by senior Jaren Jeffcoat (Dallas, TX/Plano West).
The visiting advantage held strong till the Mustangs cut the lead down to three points (30-27) after a good trifecta by junior captain Joe Cabral (Walpole, MA/Walpole) with 3:50 to go before the midway point.
The Cadets finished the half with an 8-2 run to take a 39-29 advantage heading into the locker room notching the final basket on a three ball from junior Josh Cabrera (Providence, RI/Classical).
Mount Ida went through the first three minutes of the second half cutting the visiting lead to one point (43-42) after a trifecta from junior captain Isiah Benjamin (Windsor, CT/The Masters School).
Norwich built their lead back up to nine points leading 58-49 after another successful jumper by Jeffcoat with 11:46 to go in the game.
The Mustangs cut the visiting advantage back to a deuce with 8:20 remaining following two good free throws from junior captain Travis Hillery (Tyngsboro, MA/Central Catholic) trailing 58-56.
Although Mount Ida hung around the remaining ticks, they could not get any closer than four points on five different occasions down the stretch. The visitors eventually captured the 81-70 victory holding off the hosts through the final four minutes of the contest.
Both squads shot the ball well from the floor with the Cadets just edging the Mustang with 47 percent to Mount Ida's 41 percent.
The Mustangs were led by five players in double figures, Jones, who returns to the team from a small hiatus first semester, added a team high 16 points and three boards.
Benjamin continues to prove his worth with 15 points and five assists. Cabral stepped up big going 3-6 from downtown chipping in 13 points and six caroms. Hillery added 12 points and 10 boards good for a double-double while sophomore Ashton Johnson (New Haven, CT/Notre Dame) was outstanding adding 10.
The Cadets saw a game high 22 points and 10 boards from Davis with Jeffcoat following with 12 and four rebounds. Cabrera and sophomore Ryan Williams (Dallas, TX/Prestonwood Chrsitian) both chipped in 11 apiece.
The Mustangs will travel to GNAC number one overall St. Joseph's College (ME) this coming Saturday with tip-off slated for 3:00 p.m.