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A win is a win, and you can call this past victory a big win. It was gritty, it was hard-nosed, it was electric. The Bulldogs faced adversity heading into the Holiday Hoopfest Matchup against the Towson Tigers. The first being, the game was almost five hours away from Smithfield. The scene was at UBS Arena on Belmont Park, Long Island-New York. Bryant hit traffic before the game and wound up at the arena about 40 minutes before tip-off. The student-athletes were in the midst of final exams, with multiple players taking tests that night or even that morning. They also were without their lead scorer, Sherif Gross-Bullock, who was seen with a hard cast around his left wrist. However, if you know this Bulldog team, you know that roadblocks and obstacles won't slow this team down.
Photos: Will Tondo Photography
This matchup was without a doubt one of the wildest games in college basketball this season. Both teams swung nine-point leads, and they fought tooth and nail for over 50 minutes. They delivered daggering threes, crucial free throws, multiple fouls and techs, and a double-overtime craziness, that led to the Bulldogs securing the win.
In the 101-93 victory, six Bulldogs finished in double figures, including Rafael Pinzon who dropped a career-high 28 points. Despite the changes in leading, and later trailing by four with seven seconds left in regulation, Bryant showcased their perseverance and depth, and took care of business, and extended the game. Pinzon would drain a dagger three with four seconds left, followed by a midcourt foul on Doug Edert, who calmly sank three free throws.
Photos: Will Tondo Photography
They trailed by three in the first overtime, but came back and wound up scoring nine points to open up the second overtime period. By then, the Bulldogs maintained control and cruised to the victory. It was an all-out affair, despite being short-handed. Pinzon finished with a career-high 28 on 11-of-22 shooting in 46 minutes. Edert scored 20 points, and was 11-of-13 shooting from the line.
As for the rest of the bulldogs? The stat lines were pure beauty. Earl Timberlake finished with 15 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and two blocks. Daniel Riverea while had 16 points, six rebounds, three assists, six blocks, and two steals. Conor Withers added 11 points, eight rebounds, six assists, two blocks, and three steals. Tyler Brelsford had 11 points, three rebounds, and three assists.
Photos: Will Tondo Photography