Box Score
MEADVILLE, Pa. – James Ness authored one of his most impressive performances of the season and the Gators benefitted from several unexpected contributions as Allegheny upended Denison, 66-63, in NCAC action on Saturday at the David V. Wise Center.
Although the final score indicated a tight finish, the Gators led for most of the game and enjoyed one of their strongest performances of the season. Leading 25-23 at the break, Allegheny methodically stretched its advantage to 14 midway through the second frame. Ness scored 18 points in the final 20 minutes while successive layups by D'Andre Corbin and Devone McLeod helped power the Blue and Gold to a 50-36 lead with nine minutes left in regulation.
After being outrebounded in 12 consecutive games, the Gators finished on the plus side of the rebounding battle for the second straight tilt. Rookie Clark Tritto helped pace a spirited effort on the glass after hauling down a career-high 10 boards off the bench. He also scored four points on 2-of-3 shooting in what served as his best outing donning the Blue and Gold.
In the game's final five minutes, the Big Red made a push as Marr Mansfield knocked down a pair of mid-range jumpers while Denison sank eight consecutive free throws. Despite the late rally, Corbin kept the Big Red at bay with a coast-to-coast lay-up off an inbounds pass and a pair of makes at the charity stripe. Denison's Jon Akapunam canned a three from the left wing with one second on the clock to account for the final three-point margin.
Ness manufactured his fifth double-double of the season and his second in nine days to pace the Allegheny attack. The junior forward scored a game-high 24 points on 10-of-13 shooting while hauling down a career-best 14 rebounds. Ness, who leads the NCAC in field goal percentage, led four players in double figures. Freshman Ryan Stanko dropped in three shots from beyond the arc en route to 13 points, McLeod added 12, and Corbin had 10. Corbin delivered a solid all-around effort, adding eight assists, a career-high seven boards, and two steals. Senior Seth Eisner, who was honored prior to the day's action, endured a tough shooting performance, but grabbed a career-high six rebounds in a great defensive effort.
Dimonde Hale totaled 22 points and 12 rebounds to lead Denison. The Gators held the Big Red to 35.9% shooting for the game, their best defensive stand in league play this year. Although Allegheny didn't fare well from the perimeter, it shot 53.3% in the second half and closed with its most efficient offensive performance in six games.
