The Rams improved to 4-3 on the season with a 78-57 road win over the Griffins of Chestnut Hill College Wednesday night.
In a good rhythm from the onset, the Rams made half of their two-point field goals and five three-pointers. They also converted four-of-five free throws in the first half.
The Griffins were within striking distance at the half, trailing 43-30. They made 42.86 percent of their two-point field goals, but struggled from three-point range, making one of 9 in that department.
A great source of the Rams’ offense came in the paint. The Rams generated an astounding 48 points down low, clearly a point of emphasis before the game.
If the game was not already out of reach for the Griffins at this point, then in the second half with 6:18 to play, a layup by junior guard Steffen Davis made it 73-45, all but sealing the road victory.
The Griffins really had a hard time getting back into the contest, and their three-point shooting certainly did not help. Combined the team shot 2 of 16 from downtown. The fast break department also could not produce a substantial amount of points to cut the Rams’ lead, as the Griffins totaled just four points there. Keeping the Griffins off of the offensive glass was another bright spot for the Rams, as the Griffins had just six second-chance points. These key areas of the game helped preserve the Rams’ victory.
For the game, Shepherd made 46.2 percent of their two-point field goals and made eight of 27 three pointers. Senior guard Naim Muhammad of the Rams was the team’s high-scorer with 13 points. Junior guard Skyler Roman was also a key factor in the game’s outcome, finishing with 12 points. The Rams had many contributors in this road triumph, with sophomore forward Gavin McTavish and junior guard Steffen Davis providing 11 points a piece. Freshman guard Thomas Lang also stepped up in a big way with highest-scoring performance of his young career with 10 points.
The Rams controlled many sectors of this contest, but most notably in the rebounding department, out-rebounding the Griffins 45-31. Junior forward AJ Carr led all players with 10 rebounds.
Muhammad and Lang both found their open teammates very well, finishing the game with five assists each.
Demetrius Isaac and Bryant Quill were the bright spots for the Griffins, as they had 16 and 10 points, respectively. Quill also had five rebounds.
For the game, the Griffins shot 38.6 percent and made 11 of 16 at the free throw line. The Rams had 12 turnovers while the Griffins had 13.
The Rams try to get another victory at home Friday night at the Butcher Center when they host Alderson Broaddus at 7 p.m.
Anthony Bracken is the Sports Editor for The Picket. He can be reached at abrack02@rams.shepherd.edu
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