MEDFORD, MASS. 2/3/2004 - Host Tufts University shot a sizzling 62.7 percent (37/59)from the floor and posted an exciting 96-94 victory over Keene State College in a men's basketball game on Tuesday night at Cousens Gymnasium in Medford.
Tufts (6-13) placed five scorers in double figures, led by senior co-captain Deyvehn East (Greenfield, MA) with 20 points. Senior Matthew Wheeler's (Shrub Oak, NY) career-best 25 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks led visiting Keene (16-4).
The Jumbos got off to a strong start and led by nine, 21-12, on a jumper by sophomore Dan Martin (Sandwich, MA) at 13:18 of the first half. The Owls erased the lead and gained a 33-32 edge on two free throws by junior Harley Davis (Newburyport, MA) with 6:15 to play into the half.
Tufts was able to push its advantage back up to seven and then led by four at the half, 48-44.
Into the second half, Tufts built a 13-point margin, 71-58, on a lay-up by sophomore Blaine Lay (Rockville, MD) at 10:54. Keene then initiated a 20-4 run over the next four minutes to pull ahead, 78-75 on a three by freshman Brian Sheppard (East Bridgewater, MA) at 6:54. He had eight
points during the surge that gave the Owls the lead.
Keene led for the next two minutes, but a 6-0 spurt by the Jumbos put them back in front, 83-80, on a three-pointer by Lay. The Owls closed to within one, 83-82, on a tip-in by Wheeler at 2:44, but that's the closest they would get. The visitors played the last few minutes without co-captain Alphonse Michalski (Northampton, MA), who appeared to injure his ankle.
Two free throws by Wheeler at 1:21 made it 87-84 Tufts, but the Jumbos hit their field goals and free throws down the stretch to earn the upset.
In a game riddled by 52 fouls called, Keene hurt itself at the line by making only 31 of 50 attempts (62 percent). In the meantime, Tufts shot 65.5 percent (19/29) on its field goals in the second half.
Junior forward Reggie Stovell (Washington, DC) hit 7 of 12 shots and scored 19 points for the Jumbos. Lay was 7 for 9 with 17 points and Martin was 6 for 7 with 17 points.
Keene also had five players finish in double-digits for points. Sophomore Sean Sullivan (Athol, MA) had 18 points, while senior Chris Timson (Beverly, MA) had 14 points with eight assists and Sheppard had 14 with four threes.
(Courtesy Tufts Sports Information)
