Madison, NJ (February 5, 2020)-  The FDU men's basketball team came up short against conference foe DeSales University on Wednesday night, 73-65. After the loss, the Devils fall to 9-11 overall and 4-5 in the
Middle Atlantic Conference Freedom. The Bulldogs improve to 14-6 overall and 7-2 in the MAC Freedom.

First Half

Both teams would share a pair of buckets to start the game. Junior Oliver Ortman started the scoring off for the Devils hitting a jumper to tie the game early. After falling to a 10-5 deficit in the first, Freshman Andrew Schulz hit a three to close the gap. The Bulldogs continued to roll offensively stretching their lead to six before Freshman Cameron Saintil knocked down a three off of an assist from Senior Kenneth LaRocca. The teams would share buckets before a LaRocca three from Ortman would bring the Devils within one. A minute later, it was LaRocca again, this time from Schultz. Over the next six minutes, the Bulldogs would go on an offensive push to bring the score to 30-23, their largest lead of the half. The teams would again share buckets to make the score 40-32 going into halftime.

Second Half

DeSales University would extend their lead by seven early in the second half before a LaRocca three from Ortman at the 16:48 mark would cut the deficit. After a few quick buckets from the Bulldogs, the Devils kept battling, hitting two threes within two-minutes from Saintil and Ortman respectively. Back to back three-pointers from Freshman Devon Murray brought the Devils within ten. The Devils would continue to battle, delivering the score within one at the 5:57 mark off a Murray three from LaRocca. The Bulldogs would outscore the Devils 10-3 in the final five minutes of the game to secure the victory.

Lead Devil

Ortman led the way for the Devils scoring 17 points on 7-of-14 shooting from the field.

Record Breaking
With 15 made three-pointers in the game, FDU broke the all-time record for three pointers made in a season with 228. The previous record for three's in a season was 225. 

Career Night

LaRocca had a career-high seven rebounds and tied a career-high with seven assists.

Stat Sheet Filler

Murray added 14 points, Saintil added 11, Schultz added 9.

From the Coach

""Really proud of some of our young guys that really stepped up in big moments tonight but opposite of Saturday, a lot of of our inability to execute against their sets and in dead ball situations started with a really unfocused practice yesterday. Quick turnaround to refocus for an important road game at King's Saturday." - Head Coach Jeff Slanovec

Up Next                                                    

The Devils will travel to King's College for a 3 p.m. MAC Freedom match-up on Saturday, February 8th.