Box Score
BETHANY, W.Va. – Junior wing Donte Briscoe assembled a mammoth double-double with 16 points and a game-best 15 rebounds, but Bethany College weathered Allegheny's explosive perimeter play and pulled away for an 81-69 victory at Hummel Field House in the season opener for both schools. The Gators trailed by six with less than two minutes to play before the Bison iced the game at the charity stripe.
Monday marked a new era for Allegheny basketball as the Gators went into battle for the first time under the tutelage of head coach Jim Driggs. An unwavering hustle kept Allegheny in striking distance against the reigning ECAC Championship semifinalist, although the Gators never led past the 14-minute mark of the first half. Briscoe displayed tremendous athletic skill in the tilt and the entire backcourt had moderate success in taking the Bison defense off the dribble. Although the dribble penetration led to some turnovers and transition points at the other end, Allegheny showed fearlessness by continuing to drive and finish in the lane against Bethany's long post players.
Trailing by 10 with five minutes to go, Briscoe energized the Gators' bench and pulled the visitors within six following a baseline jumper, a steal, and a fast-break lay-up. Although the Allegheny faithful had reason to stay optimistic, Bethany's ability to knock down huge shots in critical situations enabled it to preserve the non-conference win. The defining blow occurred with 2:43 left in regulation as Reece Mabery drilled a contested three at the top of the key as time expired on the shot clock. The clutch stick ignited a raucous home crowd and hampered an otherwise tremendous defensive possession for the Blue and Gold.
“This was a tough test for a young team,” noted Driggs. “I thought we did some nice things, but we also have a lot of work ahead of us, which is exactly why we practice. I was proud of our effort and we're looking forward to this weekend.”
Two steals by Briscoe led to Allegheny's first points of the season, including a jumper at the free-throw line by freshman point guard D'Andre Corbin. Corbin displayed a good mid-range stroke by canning two jumpers early in the action, while Seth Eisner twice put Allegheny ahead with deep three's. The squad's lone senior, Eisner finished 4-of-7 from distance while tying a career-high with 14 points.
The opening half was played at an extremely high tempo and Bethany's aggressive trapping style led to several turnovers and fast-break baskets. Trailing 26-18, Briscoe killed a 10-0 run with a thunderous, one-handed, fast-break dunk.
The back and forth pace served as an advantage to Bethany, who went 12 deep in the first 20 minutes, while missed three's on the other end led to transition points that stretched the advantage to double figures with two minutes remaining before the break. Paced by junior forward British Alexander, who had 12 points on 5-of-5 shooting, the Bison authored a torrid shooting performance in the first frame by connecting on 62.5% of their shots.
Trailing 48-38 to start the second half, Allegheny was plagued by turnovers on three of its first four possessions as the lead swelled to a game-high 15. An 11-2 run over the next three minutes, including three-point field goals by Devone McLeod, Eisner and Stanko reduced the deficit to 55-49 with 14 minutes left on the clock.
Allegheny posted a 37-29 edge on the glass as Bricoe set a new career-high in rebounds. He also closed with a game-best four steals. McLeod finished the night with 15 points, five assists, and two thefts. Corbin, who also had five dimes and two steals, added 10 points to give the Gators four players with double figures in scoring. While Allegheny shot well at the foul line (15-of-18), the Gators struggled as a group from beyond the arc, hitting just 6-of-26 attempts.
NOTES: Allegheny is 40-35 all-time versus Bethany, including a 69-68 win in the 2007 season opener…the Gators were seeking their sixth season-opening victory in seven years…rookie forward Clark Tritto had three blocks in his first collegiate game…Bethany shot 57% from the floor for the game while Allegheny 's conversion rate was just under 41%…the Gators started Corbin, McLeod, Briscoe, Eisner, and freshman Bobby Theiss…Allegheny opens its home slate against Pitt-Greensburg in the first round of the Allegheny Invitational on Saturday.
