BOX
SCORE
MEDFORD -- The Tufts University Jumbos led wire-to-wire as they
claimed a 66-45 victory over the Babson College Beavers on Saturday
night in a "Big Four Challenge" men's basketball semifinal game at
Cousens Gym.
Tufts senior guard Dan Cook (Dover, MA) hit the first basket of
the game, a three-pointer, to give the Jumbos the initial lead of
the contest. Cook nailed four three-pointers in the half as Tufts
entered intermission up 15 at 34-19. Cook finished with 14 points,
one of three Jumbos in double figures.
Senior forward Jon Pierce (Belmont, MA) scored a game-high 16
points in just 20 minutes of action as he played only five minutes
in the second half. Senior forward Dave Beyel (Ocean City, NJ) was
the other Jumbo in double digits with 11 points. Tufts shot 47.5
percent (28/59) for the game and their largest lead was 30 with
nine minutes left in the second half at 56-26.
Babson struggled offensively, shooting 26.2 percent (17/65) for
the contest. They also struggled from the free throw line going six
for 15. Tufts dominated the rebounding, 55-36, with sophomore James
Long's (Norwell, MA) nine leading the way.
Junior guard Shelton Ladson (New York, NY) was
the only Beaver in double figures with 11 points. Sophomore forward
Kris Noonan (Boothbay Harbor, ME) scored eight
with five rebounds and three blocks, while junior guard
Matt Zoia (Nashua, NH) and junior forward
Dana Mauro (Wetersfield, CT) each added seven
points.
The Jumbos have won two in a row at home and stand at 2-4 for
the season. Babson falls back to .500 at 3-3 with their second
straight defeat.
Tufts moves onto the championship game of the first annual "Big
Four Challenge" as they will take on Brandeis University on Sunday
afternoon at 3 pm. The Judges were 88-73 winners against Salem
State in the other semifinal. The consolation game between Babson
and Salem State tips off at 1 pm at Cousens Gymnasium.
NOTE: Taken from a Tufts University press release.
