PURCHASE, NY -
Despite game-highs of 20 points and 14 rebounds from junior center Ricky Fetske (Galloway, NJ/Absegami), the College at Florham Devils were defeated by Manhattanville, 78-56, in Freedom Conference action on Thursday evening.
With the loss, the Devils dropped to 4-20 (2-11 Freedom) while the Valiants improved to 12-12 (6-7 Freedom).
The game was tied at 10-10 after the first 7:06 when Manhattanville went on a 17-7 run over the next eight minutes to take a 27-17 lead with 4:28 left in the first half. The Devils fought right back though, responding with an 8-0 run to pull to within 27-25 with 2:13 to play. The Valiants were not deterred however, as they ended the half on an 11-2 run to take a 38-27 advantage into the locker room.
With Manhattanville holding a 44-31 lead shortly into the second half, the Devils ripped off a 14-4 run, thanks to five points from Fetske, to cut the deficit to 48-45 with 10:00 to go. As they did when FDU made a run in the first half, Manhattanville responded right away with a 13-2 spurt to grab a 61-47 lead with 5:38 remaining. The Devils got a bucket from Fetske on their next possession to cut it to 12 but the Valiants ended the game with a 17-7 run to earn the 78-56 victory.
Freshman forward Derek Hall (Oak Ridge, NJ/Jefferson) had another solid outing, recording 14 points while sophomore guard Adam Katz (Wharton, NJ/Morris Hills) chipped in seven points.
The Devils return to action with their season finale on Saturday, February 20, 2010, at DeSales beginning at 3 pm.
