Box Score
WEST HAVEN, Conn. – The University of New Haven men’s basketball team erased a double-digit halftime deficit but failed to overcome Saint Michael’s on Wednesday night, as the Chargers dropped a 63-56 decision at Charger Gymnasium. With the loss, UNH dipped to 3-12 overall and 2-10 in the Northeast-10 Conference, while the Purple Knights improved to 6-9, 4-7 in the league.
Senior Robert Jamerson poured in a game-high 21 points, going an efficient 9-of-11 from the floor, including 3-of-4 from the free-throw line. He also added 10 rebounds to complete the double-double. In addition, Sean Harris fared well on the offensive end with 14 points, while Justin Exum and Jeremy Williams each added seven points.
The statistics demonstrated a very evenly matched competition, but turnovers may have been the difference, as the Purple Knights forced 22 turnovers from the hosting Chargers. Both teams shot fairly well from the floor with UNH connecting on 48 percent of its shot attempts and Saint Michael’s at 43 percent.
Saint Michael’s came out firing early on and eventually built a 20-9 lead around the midway mark of the first half. The Chargers, though, shook off the slow start and out-scored the Purple Knights 14-5 over the next five minutes of action. However, Saint Michael’s weathered the storm and finished the half with a 14-4 surge, taking a 39-27 lead into the locker room at halftime. Jamerson paced the offense for the Chargers in the opening stanza, tossing in nine points to go along with four rebounds. Tom Ward also pumped in nine points to lead the way for the visiting Purple Knights.
Conversely to the first half, UNH captured the quick start in the second frame, as the Chargers put together a 12-0 run through the first five minutes of play. Jamerson, Harris and Exum all registered points during the surge, tying the game up at 39-39.
Unfortunately the remainder of the game featured a change in momentum as Saint Michael’s closed out the contest with a 24-17 run. The Purple Knights knocked down seven straight free-throws in the final minute of play, disallowing the Chargers back into the game.
Three members of the Purple Knights recorded double figures with Travis Warech leading the way with 17 points. Teammates Michael Horton, Jr. and Tom Ward added 13 and 11 respectively.
The Chargers return to the hardwood on Saturday, January 22 with a conference showdown at Saint Anselm College. Tip-off is set for 3:30 p.m.
