Acorn

Issue date: 12/7/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Chris Pedota Scott Miller ('08) drives hard to the basket. His veteran leadership, stong physical presence, and will to win have made him an integral cog in the Rangers' starting five lineup.

The Drew University men's basketball team clinched their first Landmark Conference opening game 72-65 against United States Merchant Marine Academy on Tuesday night as they improved their overall record 3-2. Top shooters of the night include guard Chris Lopez ('08) with 25 and a season high 23 for forward David Cramer ('08). Aside from their standard strong defensive effort, the Rangers' best shooting performance of the season helped them to defeat the Mariners.

The team is being recognized for their big scoring game and guard Nelson Albino ('09) is proud to see his team making such big improvements. "We're not known for scoring a lot of points, so the fact that we scored 72 was a big deal, and the reason for this was prior to this week we worked at upping the tempo and our style of play. I don't think that Kings Point was ready for it."

The Mariners had the lead 14-13 by the 11th minute of play, but it was quickly turned around by the Rangers, who immediately fought back with a 15-4 run and the lead that they wouldn't give up for the rest of the half. Lopez started the run with five, followed by guard Gerard Mullin ('09) with five more, three from forward Bobby Clackner ('09), and a lay-up from guard Joe Horvath ('11). The Rangers had a 28-18 lead that the Mariners couldn't come closer than 6 points, especially when Cramer took over the game in with 1:40 left in the first. Albino handed Cramer an assist which he scored along with another assist from guard Mike Mayes ('11). The Mariners were able to get a 3 in the last moments of play but the Rangers had a secure 40-31 lead going into the break. Drew shot 62.5 percent from the field and 2-3 from the three-point line in the first half alone-a remarkable change from their usual scoring habits.

Lopez notices each of his teammates shining in different ways. "We played a really solid all around game," he said.

Cramer really stepped up and played a solid game. The bench came in and played some important minutes, especially guard Travis DeNapoli ('10) who came in for me when I was in foul trouble and played 11 good minutes."

Continued...

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