LAKEWOOD, N.J. – University of New Haven redshirt freshman guard Michael Bourke (South Orange, N.J./The Hun School of Princeton) extended his career-high to 31 points, the first 30-plus performance of the season for the Chargers, leading the way in a 78-67 road win against Georgian Court on Friday evening. With the win, New Haven improves to 4-5 on the season.
Bourke's 31 points is the first 30-plus game for a Charger since Eric Anderson (Newark, N.J./Newark Tech) dropped 35 against Adelphi on February 24, 2015. Playing in his home state for the first time in his career, Bourke finished the game shooting 50 percent overall on 10-of-20 with seven of those 10 field goals from beyond the three point arc. Both his 10 overall field goals and his seven three pointers set new career-high marks, while his seven threes were the most for a Chargers since Jemal Mosley (Spring Valley, N.Y./Don Bosco Prep / Putnam Science Academy) hit seven last season against Saint Anselm on New Year's Eve. Bourke also added four rebounds, three assist and three steals to his credit, while 22 of his 31 points came in the second half.
Joining Bourke in leading the Chargers was sophomores Levy Gillespie (Meriden, Conn./Capital Preparatory Magnet) and Tommy Hunt (Smithfield, R.I./St. Andrew's) who finished with 22 and 12 points, respectively. The 22 points for Gillespie sets a new career-best, while Hunt's 12 points ties his season-high. Both Hunt and Gillespie joined Bourke in finishing with a 50 percent shooting effort. Gillespie closed out the contest with seven field goals in 14 attempts, while Hunt finished 4-of-7 from the field with all four field goals from outside the three point arc. All 12 of Hunt's points came in the first half.
Overall for the game, New Haven made 46.6 percent of their field goal attempts (27-of-58), with the hottest shooting in the opening 20 minutes when they finished with 15 field goals in 29 attempts for 51.7 percent. In that half alone, the Chargers made 8-of-14 attempts from beyond the arc for a 57.1 percent effort. For the night, New Haven made 14 three point field goals, a season-best, on 28 attempts for a 50 percent performance. The Chargers also made 10-of-15 attempts at the free throw line.
Georgian Court did lead the way in the battle of the boards with a 34-26 margin. Leading the Chargers rebounding efforts was senior Samir McDaniels (Roxbury, Mass./New Mission) and freshman Jacob Pupavac (Geelong, Australia/Belmont) who each finished with five boards, with the five for the rookie a new career-high.
The Chargers continue a stretch of three-straight non-conference road games against Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference opponents when they return to the hardwood in less than 48 hours at Post. Tip off in the final game before the holiday break is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 20 at the Drubner Center. Complete coverage of Charger men's basketball can be found at www.NewHavenChargers.com.
