Southern Vermont had five players scoring in double figures in the game, led by a 19 point effort from sophomore guard Chris Matte (Hudson Falls, N.Y.), who hit on five 3-pointers. Key points were also scored by sophomore guard Mark Edmonds (Albany, N.Y.), who scored 10 points but more importantly hit 5-of-6 free throws down the stretch – and rebounding his one miss – to ice the win.
Johnson & Wales was led by a 22-point effort from senior guard Brian Bannister (Boston, Ma.).
Southern Vermont is now 2-3 on the season (1-0 in Great Northeast Athletic Conference action). Johnson & Wales fell to 3-2 (1-1 GNAC). The Mountaineers be on the road Monday at Keene State University and Wednesday at Norwich University before returning home Saturday, Dec. 10 for a GNAC contest with Albertus Magnus College.
“So much of sport is mental toughness and we have focused a lot of attention in that area, and tonight that mental toughness paid off,” said head coach Mike McDonough. “There is no question that getting the first conference win is important.”
Other players scoring in double figures for Southern Vermont included junior forward Doug Hammond (Brooklyn, N.Y.), with 17 points and 11 rebounds, senior guard Tim Bonnett (Laurel, Md.), with 13 points including 7-of-7 from the free throw line, and sophomore forward Oriol Morer (Barcelona, Spain) who added 14 points and eight rebounds.
“We continue to see solid contribution from everyone, as shown by having five people in double figures (scoring),” said McDonough.
The Mountaineers hit 30-of-33 free throws in the game; the Wildcats hit 15-of 17. Johnson & Wales won the rebounding battle but only by three, 28-25.