Mockford Long Range Shooting Lifts Saint Francis To Win
Washington, DC—December 12--Ben Mockford scored 15 of his game-high 24 points in the second half, including a big three pointer and two clutch free throws to lead visiting Saint Francis (NY) to a 73-71 win over Howard University in a non-conference men’s game at Burr Gymnasium.
Mockford connected on four of his five three-point attempts in
the second half in a game that
featured 11 ties and 16 lead changes. It was his three point basket
following a Bison turnover with 36 seconds remaining that broke a
68-68 tie.
Stefan Perunicic converted on one of two free throws with seven seconds remaining to make it a two-possession game at 72-68.
The Bison got to within one at 72-71 on a long three pointer by
Simuel Frazier with just two
seconds remaining. Mockford was fouled on the Terriers ensuing
possession and he sank both to give Saint Francis (3-6) a 73-71
advantage with one second left on the clock.
Howard almost pulled off the win when Prince Okoroh heaved a
shot from just over halfcourt
that rimmed in and out as the buzzer went off.
All seven of Mockford’s field goals were three pointers as
he hit on seven of 10 for the game.
Perunicic chipped in with 15 and Jalen Cannon finished with a
double (13 points, 10 rebounds.
Howard was led by Mike Phillips with 16, Frazier with 15 and Calvin Thompson and Okoroh with 12 and 11, respectively.
Statistically, Howard won the battle in the paint (26-16),
points off turnovers (22-16, second
chance opportunities (14-8 and in bench scoring (29-22) But the
Bison allowed the Terriers to connect of 50 percent (10 of 20) from
beyond the arc.
Howard did a good job of taking care of the ball in the first
half, committing only seven
turnovers. But the second half was a different story as the Bison
gave Saint Francis 14 second half points on 12 miscues.
The Bison recorded a season-high six blocked shots.
NEXT UP: Howard travels to Corvallis, OR to take Oregon State on
Thursday at 10 pm Eastern time. From there they will travel to
Bloomington, IN to take on the Hoosier of Indiana on December 19 at
7
pm.