Emmanuel Men’s Basketball Suffers Tip-Off Tournament Loss to Endicott, 80-72

BOSTON – Endicott College topped the Emmanuel College men's basketball team, 80-72, in the first matchup of the 40th Annual EC Tip-Off Tournament on Andy Yosinoff Court. The Saints fell to 2-2, while the Gulls advanced to 2-1.  

Endicott came out strong with an early 7-0 lead over the Saints until senior guard Donte Pope (Middletown, Conn.) hit a three. The Saints were able to keep the game within single digits, entering the second half of play trailing 42-34.  

Emmanuel came out strong to start the second half, scoring the first five points of the half. Despite efforts from the Saints, Endicott was able to maintain their lead and secure the victory. Endicott shot 50% from the field and 40% from three compared to Emmanuel's 37.7% from the field and 27.6% from beyond the arc.  

Graduate student guard Ty Vitko (Dover, N.H.) led the Gulls, shooting 10-for-16 from the field. He finished the win with 22 points, four rebounds and two assists. Jeff Hill (Lynn, Mass.) added 14 points, five assists and two rebounds for Endicott. Graduate guard Cam Homsey (Lawrence, Mass.) netted 12 points to go along with three rebounds and two assists.  

Senior guard Ryan Grijalva (Stratham, N.H.) led the way for the Saints. He finished the game with 20 points, seven rebounds and one assist. Sophomore guard Zaire Baines (Queens, N.Y.) added 15 points, six rebounds and two assists for the Saints. Pope added 11 points and 11 rebounds to go along with six assists for the Saints, good for a double-double.  

The Saints continue EC Tip-Off Classic play at 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 18 to face the loser of Friday's matchup between Wesleyan University and Skidmore College. The Gulls are set for the championship game of the tournament at 8 p.m. on Saturday, November 18 against the winner of the aforementioned game. 

 **Release courtesy of Emmanuel Athletics Intern Juliana Cimino