Madison, NJ (February 1, 2020)- Inside the Ferguson Recreation Center on Saturday evening, the FDU men's basketball team defeated the Cougars of Misericordia University, by a score of 79-62. The Devils pick up their ninth victory of the season, and improve to 9-10 overall. In Middle Atlantic Conference Freedom action, the Devils jump to an even 4-4. With the defeat, the Cougars fall to 7-13 on the 2019-20 season and 3-6 in conference play.
The victory over the Cougars gives FDU a 2-0 sweep over the Cougars on the season, following its win at Misericordia on January 11. The Devils sweep of the Cougars is the first time they have done so in program history.
The Devils took advantage of the offensive tempo from the get go, as they jumped to a 7-2 lead over the Cougars. The run was sparked by made two-point field goals from junior Oliver Ortman, and freshman Joseph Nigro. Freshman Cameron Saintil notched a three-pointer as well during the Devils spurt. The Devils did not letdown, as they took a 24-10 lead into the under-ten minute mark of the contest. The Devils jumped out to the 14-point lead thanks to scores from freshman Devon Murray, who knocked down a basket. Murray also assisted on a three-pointer by Ortman. Senior Kenneth LaRocca soon got in on the action, as he executed on a three-point attempt, off the assist from Ortman. To conclude the first-half, Murray hit back-to-back three-pointers to give the Devils the 45-23 advantage heading into the halftime break.
Senior Andy Fleurantin kick-started the Devils scoring effort in the second half when he nailed a three-pointer with 18:34 left in the contest. Classmate LaRocca, assisted Fleurantin on the basket. Freshman Derrick Whitaker made his presence known with 15:26 remaining in the half, as he made a three-pointer off of a pass from Ortman. Whitaker did not take long to get back on the score sheet, as he hit a three-pointer, thanks to an assist from fellow freshman, Andrew Schulz. Ortman got his point total above 20, as he scored a three-pointer from an assist by Saintil. The Devils continued to hold the advantage over Misericordia, as Murray added another three-pointer to his total. Two minutes later, freshman John Bennett added a three-pointer for the Devils, off of an assist by Whitaker.
Devils in Charge
The Devils found themselves in control for the entire contest, as they did not surrender the lead once. Following Saintil's three-pointer to put the Devils on top 5-2, FDU would not relinquish the lead to the Cougars at all.
All Hands on Deck
Nine different FDU players added at least one point in the game. The Devils were led by Ortman, who added 22 points. Following the junior, was Murray, who added a career-high 14 points.
Statsheet Fillers
Nigro added four points, and three assists, and steals. Schulz added six points with six rebounds.
Coaches Corner
"Really important win for our program today but today's win started with a great, focused practice on Thursday. With the exception of a few small stretches, we were the aggressor on both ends and really executed our game plans. We keep getting better, especially on the defensive end, and I'm excited to see where we can go the last three weeks of the regular season." - Head Coach Jeff Slanovec
Up Next
The Devils return to the court on Wednesday, as they host DeSales at 6 pm.
