During the first half, the teams combined for eight ties and 10 lead changes. With Emerson leading, 9-8, Wheaton reeled off nine straight points for its biggest first-half lead, 17-9, as Zukowski knocked down a three-pointer and a trio of players contributed two points apiece. However, the hosts rallied for their largest lead of the opening stanza, 21-19, as senior Steve Georgoulis (New York, NY) netted six points to key a 12-2 run. However, Wheaton held a 44-38 edge when the period ended.
Senior James Greenslit (Framingham, MA/Rivers School) and freshman Kristopher Pedra (Avon, CT/Avon) played integral roles as Wheaton embarked on a 24-8 run over the first 8:46 of the second half to put the game out of reach. Pedra tallied seven points, including converting a turnover into the first basket of the half, while Greenslit assisted a hoop by sophomore David Harding (Hanover, MA/Boston College), grabbed an offensive board that led to a basket by sophomore Jake Otto (Glastonbury, CT/Glastonbury), and nailed a three-pointer to complete the run and give Wheaton a 68-46 lead.
After shooting a solid 45.8 percent from the field in the first half, the Lyons went 20-of-32 in the final period for 62.5 percent shooting while outscoring Emerson, 41-29. For the game, Wheaton held a 35-22 advantage on the glass.
Zukowski's 26 points came on 9-of-15 shooting, including 4-of-7 from long range, and he racked up a career-high 10 boards to go along with four steals and three assists. Kelly continued his dependable play from the point, notching six helpers to surpass Tim Allen's '00 program assists record of 406, which he had tied on Tuesday evening. He went 6-of-9 for 17 points. Sophomore Brent DiGiovanna (Hanover, MA/Hanover) turned in a career-high 18 points by hitting 6-of-9 shots, and Pedra finished with a season-high 11 points.
For Emerson, sophomore Will Dawkins (Springfield, MA/Commerce) finished with 26 points, while Georgoulis notched 21 points. The duo combined for 21 of the Lions' 29 baskets.
Wheaton remains on the road this Saturday, where it will face local non-conference foe Bridgewater State College at 1:00 p.m.
Newspaper Box Score Wheaton College vs Emerson College 12/1/05 7:00 p.m. at Brunelli Gymnasium, Chestnut Hill, Mass. At Brunelli Gymnasium, Chestnut Hill, Mass. WHEATON COLLEGE 85, EMERSON COLLEGE 67 WHEATON COLLEGE (3-1) Brian Zukowski 9-15 4-4 26; Brent DiGiovanna 6-9 6-7 18; Sean Kelly 6-9 5-7 17; Kristopher Pedra 4-7 3-4 11; Jake Otto 3-4 0-0 6; James Greenslit 1-2 0-0 3; Eric Johnston 1-2 0-0 2; David Harding 1-3 0-1 2; Ryan McDonough 0-0 0-0 0; Leif Kothe 0-0 0-0 0; Mark Sullivan 0-1 0-0 0; Nick Michel 0-0 0-0 0; Justin Brown 0-3 0-0 0; Ben Davis 0-0 0-0 0; Patrick McDonough 0-1 0-0 0; Patrick Youreneff 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 31-56 18-23 85. EMERSON COLLEGE (0-5) Will Dawkins 11-18 1-2 26; Steve Georgoulis 10-15 1-2 21; Alfredo Tovar 3-10 1-2 7; Ben Chase 2-6 0-0 4; Anthony Reimas 1-2 0-0 3; Jay O'Connell 1-3 0-0 3; Scott McGowan 1-2 0-0 3; Bryan Fennessey 0-0 0-0 0; Frank Agrama 0-0 0-0 0; Kyle Joyce 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 29-56 3-6 67. Wheaton College............... 44 41 - 85 Emerson College............... 38 29 - 67 3-point goals-Wheaton College 5-16 (Brian Zukowski 4-7; James Greenslit 1-1; Sean Kelly 0-1; Kristopher Pedra 0-2; Jake Otto 0-1; Mark Sullivan 0-1; Justin Brown 0-2; Patrick McDonough 0-1), Emerson College 6-20 (Will Dawkins 3-5; Scott McGowan 1-2; Jay O'Connell 1-3; Anthony Reimas 1-2; Ben Chase 0-3; Alfredo Tovar 0-5). Fouled out--Wheaton College-None, Emerson College-None. Rebounds-Wheaton College 35 (Brian Zukowski 10), Emerson College 22 (Steve Georgoulis 7). Assists-Wheaton College 15 (Sean Kelly 6), Emerson College 13 (Alfredo Tovar 7). Total fouls-Wheaton College 17, Emerson College 18. A-155