PLYMOUTH, N.H. – The University of Southern Maine used a 7-2 run over the final 1:37 to break 66-66 tie and defeat Plymouth State University, 73-68, in Little East Conference (LEC) men's basketball action at Foley Gymnasium on Monday night.
Junior
Giorgi Tsiklauri (Brooklyn, N.Y.) led all scorers with 17 points, while sophomore
Kyler Bosse (Manchester, N.H.) added 15 points of his own. Senior
Dante Rivera (Lawrence, Mass.) was also in double-figures for the Panthers, scoring 13 points in the losing effort.
Plymouth State held a seven-point lead late in the first half, but the Huskies ended the frame with a flurry to tie the game at 32-32 as the teams went into halftime. PSU built an 11-point lead, 62-51, midway through the second half, but the visitors rallied to go back in front. Bosse sank two free throws to tie the game at 66-apiece with 1:37 to play, but USM hit a three and closed out the game with strong defense to sneak away with the win.
Plymouth State slips to 7-8 (2-4 LEC) on the season, while the Huskies improve to 7-8 and 2-4 in conference play.
The Basics:
- Plymouth State 68, Southern Maine 73
- Plymouth State (7-8, 2-4 LEC)
- Southern Maine (7-8, 2-4 LEC)
Top Performers:
How it Happened:
- The Huskies knocked down their first two attempts from deep to take a quick 6-0 lead, but PSU clawed back from the early deficit and went in front, 19-18, with 5:15 left in the opening half.
- The Panthers extended the advantage to seven, 32-25, with 1:56 remaining on the clock.
- USM scored seven straight points in the final minute to tie the game at 32-32 heading into the break.
- PSU regained its seven-point margin, 46-39, over the first 4:30 of the second half.
- The Panthers extended the lead to 11, 62-51, with 9:21 left to play.
- USM used a 15-2 run late in the half to sneak back in front, 66-64, with 3:53 remaining.
- Bosse knocked down a pair of free throws to tie the game at 66-66 with 1:37 showing on the board.
- USM responded immediately, scoring five straight points and take the lead for good.
By the Numbers:
- Plymouth State shot 25-of-61 (41.0%) from the floor and 8-of-13 (44.4%) from three.
- PSU outrebounded the Huskies by a 38-35 margin, and 13-9 on the offensive glass.
- Plymouth State blocked five shots in the game, led by Tsiklauri's two.
- The Panthers' reserves outscored their counterparts by a 33-28 margin.
Up Next:
- The Panthers head on the road to face LEC opponent Keene State College on Wednesday (Jan. 26). Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. in Spaulding Gymnasium.
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