The Franklin Pierce University men’s basketball team returned to Northeast-10 Conference action with a bang as they upended Adelphi University 101-79 on Wednesday evening. The victory, the Ravens seventh in their last eight games and their fifth straight conference win, improves their record to 9-5 overall and 6-2 NE10 and the loss drops the host Panthers to 11-4, 4-3 NE10.
As a team, the Ravens set their season high watermark in points (101), shooting percentage (42-of-69, 60.9%) and steals (11). The last time FPU tallied 100 or more points in a contest was on November 23, 2013 when they racked up 111 points in a 111-80 victory at NE10 foe Merrimack.
Team captain Donte Gittenshad an all-around game scoring 19 points, dishing out a game-high seven assists, grabbing five rebounds and coming up with three thefts. Newcomer Oladoyin Fadojutimi recorded his best collegiate game in his last contest versus LIU Post on New Year’s Eve and followed that up with an even stronger performance as he tallied career-highs in points (20), rebounds (six) and steals (four). Fadojutimi was also automatic from the hardwood as he knocked down 7-of-8 (87.5%) of his field goal attempts in 24 minutes off the bench.
Mike McDevitt added 18 points, three boards and a game-high three blocks. Matt Banton racked up 16 points on a 4-of-6 (66.7%) showing from deep to go along with four rebounds, an assist and a steal. Asante Sandiford tallied 12 points, six boards, three assists and a steal while Jordan Lackey scored eight points in 13 minutes of play.
Three starters scored in double figures for the Panthers as Manny Suarez poured in a game-best 28 points and was a perfect 13-of-13 from the charity stripe. Austin Beech played all 40 minutes and added 18 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals and a stuff. Michael Coffey racked up 13 markers and three boards.
The Ravens return home to Rindge next Wednesday, January 11th when they host NE10 rival American International at 7:30 p.m.