East connected on 10 of 15 shots in the game and added three assists. With the victory, Tufts (5-11) finished a six-game homestand with a 3-3 record. Sophomore Dan Martin (Sandwich, MA) was the only other Jumbo to score in double-figures with 12 points, to go with eight rebounds. Senior tri-captain Bryan Lambert (Auburn, ME) scored 15 points to lead Brandeis (3-11), which lost its third straight.
The visiting Judges surged to a 33-30 lead at halftime. Tufts had been up by five, 30-25, on the second ally-oop dunk of the half by East from junior Andrew Kaklamanos (Jupiter, FL) at 3:01. They did not score again in the half. Brandeis scored the final eight points, including three-pointers by senior Ben Bosanac (Rancho Santa Fe, CA) and senior tri-captain Greg Kristof (Medfield, MA).
Brandeis then scored the first four points of the second half to lead by seven before Tufts took control. The Jumbos initiated a 17-4 run to lead 47-41 on a thee-pointer by East at 12:38. East had eight points during the stretch, including three-pointers on consecutive trips down the floor. Brandeis answered the run with a three by junior Omri Ayalon (Potsdam, NY) to close within 47-44 at 11:15, but that’s the closest they would get.
The margin did not get into double digits until the final tally. The Judges were twice within five points as the clock wound down under three minutes. Tufts was able to keep the visitors scoreless for the final 2:31 to secure the win.
The Jumbos posted a big 42-28 advantage in rebounds, with East and Martin leading the way. Bosanac’s seven boards led Brandeis. Ayalon added 13 points to the Brandeis attack, including three threes.
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