In a game that came down to the final seconds, the FDU-Florham men's basketball team was unable to secure the victory and was defeated 80-76 by the Manhattanville College Valiants (7-15, 3-8 Freedom) Wednesday night at the Ferguson Recreation Center.
The Devils (1-21, 0-11 Freedom) had one of their best performances this season in the first half, shooting 54 percent from the field. Following a quick 6-0 run to kick off the game, the Devils started to build off their hot start with sophomore forward Donte Ali (Willingboro, N.J.) and freshman guard Steve Herdman (South Amboy, N.J.) leading the charge. The two have been hot as of late and combined for 23 points in the first half. Herdman ended the game with a team-high 19 points.
Ali got to the basket at will, while Herdman stretched out the Valiants defense by knocking down a couple of 3-pointers and mid range baskets. About 10 minutes into the game, Ali drove the baseline and skied up for an emphatic dunk that brought the home crowd to a loud roar. He finished the game with an impressive 14 points, seven rebounds, six assists, six steals and four blocks.
With about seven minutes to play in the half, following a Ryan Rigby (Bristol, Pa.) layup, junior Charlie Slack (Audubon, N.J.) and Herdman knocked down back to back 3-point shots to cap off a 10-0 run. The Devils entered the second half with a 47-33 advantage, which was one of their largest leads of the season.
However, it was the tale of two halves as the Valiants looked to vanquish the deficit early and went on a 9-0 run to begin the second half. The Valiants were at it again and about midway through the half, they embarked on a 7-0 run to take a one point lead.
Manhattanville received most of its offense from its two leading scorers, Juan Camacho and Anthony Maestre. Camacho used his size and low post ability to total 19 points and eight rebounds, while Maestre added 18 points. After the dismal first half performance put forth by the Valiants, they responded by shooting 55 percent in the second half.
With both teams trading baskets for several minutes, it was turning into a close one coming down the stretch. The Valiants held a 73-71 lead over the Devils with under two minutes to play until senior guard Tymiak Hawkins (Philadelphia, Pa.) buried a 3-pointer to give FDU-Florham back the lead.
Looking to find the bottom of the net, Camacho found himself with the ball in the low post and made a layup to give the Valiants back the advantage. In a one point game with just 30 seconds left to play, senior guard Kevin Furlong (Hazlet, N.J.) found a lane and drove to the basket but was unable to score and the Valiants went on to win the game.
The Devils connected on 10 3-pointers in the contest and forced 15 Manhattanville turnovers. However, they were outrebounded 41-26.
FDU-Florham will be back in action on Saturday, February 14, as they take on the DeSales University Bulldogs at the Ferguson Recreation Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.
