Bearcats trounced by Wildcats

1/26/2013 (Updated 11:27:43 PM)

VESTAL, N.Y.Visiting New Hampshire (5-14, 1-6 AE) put four players in double figures and took advantage of Binghamtons cold-shooting to post a 63-45 win over the Bearcats (3-17, 1-6 AE) in an America East game Saturday night at the Events Center. The game, part of a Time Warner Cable televised twinbill with the womens team, drew a season-high 4,203 fans.

Binghamton struggled from the opening whistle, missing 12 of the teams first 14 shots and digging an early 10-0 hole. After a modest 6-2 run brought the score back to single digits, the Wildcats used an 11-1 run to push the margin up to 16, 23-7, with 10:21 to play in the first half. The Bearcats had the game back within single digits, 27-19, after Jordan Reed hit a layup with 2:44 to play. But New Hampshire scored the final six points of the half and then opened the second half with an 11-4 run to stretch its lead to 21 points. Binghamton got no closer than 18 points the rest of the way.

Im very disappointed in the way we played, head coach Tommy Dempsey said. Im appreciative of the fans ... it was a terrific atmosphere and it was all set up for us. We lost an opportunity in front of a big crowd. We shot the ball poorly and lost a little confidence. We have to try to move forward from here, get ready to practice and prepare for the game on Wednesday (vs. UMBC). It was just one of those nights when our better shooters didnt make shots. I wish we had played better.

After the dismal start to the game, BU hit 5-of-11 to finish the half. But the shots didnt fall in the second half either, and the Bearcats wound up 15-for-50 (30%) for the game, including 0-for-12 from three-point range. The team compounded its offensive struggles by missing 13 free throws (15-for-28).

Reed led all scorers with 18 points - 14 of which came in the second half. Reed made five of his last six shots and added six rebounds. Junior forward Brian Freeman had season-highs of 11 points, seven rebounds and four blocks in 20 minutes of work. Freeman had three dunks, including two in the games final 55 seconds. Senior guard Jimmy Gray added four points, six rebounds and five steals.

New Hampshire had two players earn double-doubles - forward Ferg Myrick (16 pts., 10 rebs.) and center Chris Matagrano (12 pts., 10 rebs.).

NOTES
Freeman and Myrick were selected as the America East Players of the Game ... Binghamton continues to lead the America East in attendance with a 2,615 average. The Bearcats have captured the last nine conference attendance crowns.

(Courtesy: BU Athletics)

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