Men’s Basketball Wins Conference Tilt, Breaks Losing Streak

By MIKE MCMAHON

In a hotly-contested game between Atlantic 10 Conference (A 10) teams, the Fordham Rams came out on top of the Rhode Island Rams by a score of 66-63. This win was their first in four games, having lost their last three, and moves them to a 6-14 season record, improving their in-conference numbers to 2-3.

The bizarre, twisting contest comes with some interesting stats to tell the story. The two teams combined for more fouls than converted field goals, and as many free throws made as shots from the floor. Rhode Island tied the score at 60 with under three minutes to play in the game, and even took the lead on a three-point shot from T.J. Buchanan with 1:45 remaining, but would not score from there on out.

Two points from the stripe would prove to be the difference for the home team. A free throw from Fordham guard Branden Frazier, Fordham College at Rose Hill (FCRH) ’14 and the team’s only upperclassmen in the game, tied the two at 63. Another charity basket put them over the top for good, as forward Travion Leonard, FCRH ’16, sunk the game-winner with 38 seconds left. The team found a way to win with youth, as team-leader and All-A 10 forward Chris Gaston, FCRH ’13, remained sidelined by injury.

With the win, the team’s season record still sits a peg or two below even mediocrity, having lost well more than half of their twenty games so far; however, the season remains salvageable. A 2-3 conference record puts them within a game of a .500 winning percentage in the A 10.

Another conference opponent awaits this Wednesday, when the Rams take on the 11-7 Saint Joseph University Hawks at home. The team hopes to make a trend of their winning ways and work their way into contention in the A 10.