It appeared that the Lynx were going to cruise their way to the finals of the Harbor Invitational Tournament, held at Umass Boston, after the first twenty minutes. However, Framingham State would chip away at the lead for most of the second half getting it down to single digits at several points. With 1:22 left in the game Framingham State had dwindled down the 17 point halftime lead down to just 5 points. However, it was clutch free throw shooting by Lesley, the Lynx hit 9-10 from the stripe in the last minutes, that sealed the deal for the Lynx.
Framingham State used excellent ball protection in the second half to be able to make it a close game against Lesley. Framingham State had 16 first half turnovers and only 3 second half turnovers. They also shot significantly better from the field in the second half, going from 30% to 51%.
The Lynx were able to jump out to the early lead by using superior inside outside play. While Lush and Brittian dominated the interior the Lynx shot 50% from three-point land. James Parker (Sandwich, MA) who is becoming the team’s sharp shooter shot 3-6 from downtown finishing with 15 points and adding six assists. Lush who had an outstanding game led all scorers with 28 points and was second to only Brittian with 11 rebounds. Brittian who finished with 15 points and 12 rebounds added a game high six blocks.
Framingham State also used good inside play for its scoring, however, they were unable to keep up with the Lynx from beyond the arc. Framingham State only shot 27% (7-26) from three-point land for the game. Center Brian Tobin (Beverly, MA) led Framingham State with 20 points and forward Derek Wigman (Pembroke, MA) added 19 points for Framingham State. The combination of Tobin and Wigman helped Framingham State outscore Lesley in the paint 46-34.
With the win over Framingham State the Lynx advanced to the finals of the Harbor Invitational Tournament which will be played at 1:00pm on Saturday, November 26th. For more information on the Lesley men’s basketball program please go to http://lesley.edu/services/student_activities/sports_mbasketball.html .
Lesley University vs Framingham State College 11/25/05 5:30 p.m. at Boston, MA - Clark Athletic Center At Boston, MA - Clark Athletic Center LESLEY UNIVERSITY 94, FRAMINGHAM STATE COLLEGE 88 LESLEY UNIVERSITY (2-1) Michael Lush 8-14 10-12 28; James Parker 5-11 2-2 15; Toby Brittian 6-9 3-4 15; Anthony Drayton 5-8 4-4 14; Luke Gibson 3-3 4-4 11; Patrick Escabi 2-7 5-6 9; Donald Morris Jr. 1-2 0-1 2; Zach Rocha 0-0 0-0 0; Samuel Mead 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 30-55 28-33 94. FRAMINGHAM STATE COLLEGE (1-3) Brian Tobin 9-13 2-2 20; Derek Wigman 8-23 1-4 19; Michael Costa 5-11 4-4 15; Joseph Faradie 4-6 4-5 12; Ryan Dacey 2-12 2-2 8; Anthony Smith 3-6 0-0 8; Casey Brackett 1-4 2-2 4; Omar Almodovar 1-1 0-0 2; Matt Nicholson 0-0 0-0 0; Anthony Washington 0-2 0-0 0. Totals 33-78 15-19 88. Lesley University............. 45 49 - 94 Framingham State College...... 28 60 - 88 3-point goals-Lesley University 6-12 (James Parker 3-6; Michael Lush 2-3; Luke Gibson 1-1; Samuel Mead 0-1; Anthony Drayton 0-1), Framingham State College 7-26 (Anthony Smith 2-4; Ryan Dacey 2-11; Derek Wigman 2-8; Michael Costa 1-2; Casey Brackett 0-1). Fouled out--Lesley University-Patrick Escabi, Framingham State College-Casey Brackett; Brian Tobin. Rebounds-Lesley University 36 (Toby Brittian 12), Framingham State College 38 (Derek Wigman 8). Assists-Lesley University 28 (Anthony Drayton 10), Framingham State College 22 (Michael Costa 7). Total fouls-Lesley University 22, Framingham State College 25. A-150 21st Annual Harbor Invitational - First Round