JWU GRINDS OUT 76-69 WIN OVER MEN'S HOOPS

PROVIDENCE, RI – An eight-point run midway through the second half provided the Johnson & Wales University men's basketball team the cushion it needed for victory on Saturday. The Wildcats won their fourth game in a row, 76-69, over Emmanuel College in Great Northeast Athletic Conference action.

Records:
Emmanuel: 1-8, 0-2 GNAC
Johnson & Wales: 4-2, 2-0 GNAC

Statistical Leaders:
Brian Hogan-Gary (JWU): 20 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists
Randal Ferdinand (JWU): 15 points, 6 rebounds
Marcus Fox (EC): 18 points, 5 rebounds

Of Note:
A Jarell Lawson (Providence, RI) jumper midway through the first half put the Wildcats up 22-9. Emmanuel chipped away at the lead and pulled ahead, 32-31, on an Emmett Riddick basket at the two-minute mark. The Saints took a 35-34 lead into the locker room.

Quickly Johnson & Wales regained the lead in the second half, but the Saints cut the margin to 49-48 on an Ira Lough jumper.  Matt Madoian (North Kingstown, RI) and Nate Patenaude (Smithfield, RI) combined for eight points to establish a lead the Wildcats would not relinquish.

The Wildcats shot 59.3 percent (16-of-27) in the second-half for an overall rate of 46.8 percent (29-of-62). JWU limited the Saints to 24-of-62 (38.7 percent) from the floor while outrebounding EC, 42-34.

Five different Wildcats reached double figures, led by Brian Hogan-Gary's (Staten Island, NY) 20-point, 14-rebound effort. Randal Ferdinand (Pembroke Pines, Fla.) was next with 15 and Lawson tossed in 14.  Jamari Johnson (Providence, RI) came off the bench to score 11 points.

Marcus Fox led the Saints with 18 points and pulled in five rebounds. Joe Tamburro produced 13 points and Zachary Crisafulli added 10.

Next Game:
The Wildcats are back at home on Tuesday at 7:00 PM against Gordon while the Saints are now idle until December 30 when they play Florida International down in the Sunshine State.

*Release courtesy of JWU Athletic Communications