Feb. 17, 2008
Box Score
HAMILTON, N.Y. - The American University men's
basketball team found itself in an unusual place on Sunday:
trailing at halftime, 34-25, at Colgate. However, the Eagles
rebounded in the second half, taking the lead at the 13:20 mark on
one of six three-pointers by Garrison Carr, and
AU never looked back in a 68-60 win at Cotterell Court that puts
American 1 ½ games up on its next closest competition
for first place in the Patriot League.
American trailed at the half, 34-25. It was just the fourth time
this season the Eagles weren't ahead at the break, and the second
largest halftime deficit - behind the 10-point hole at Georgetown -
AU has faced this season.
American had led, 21-15, at the 9:39 mark when Brian Gilmore hit a
three-pointer. However, the Eagles went scoreless for more than
seven minutes after Gilmore's make, turning a six-point lead into a
nine-point deficit. Colgate built up its lead with solid shooting,
hitting 13-of-24 (54.2 percent) and four-of-eight (50 percent) from
behind the arc. Meanwhile, the Eagles shot 10-of-25 (40 percent)
from the field in the opening period.
The Eagles' comeback started early in the second half, when Bryce Simon hit
a three-pointer to open the stanz and then Travis Lay completed a
three-point play to cut the deficit to three points just 1:52 into
the half. The comeback was complete when Carr hit a three at the
13:20 mark to make the score 42-40 in favor of AU. American never
trailed again, thank in large part to 10 more points from Carr over
the last 6:32 of the game. The Eagles also were solid from the free
throw line to close out the win, hitting seven-of-10 down the
stretch to seal it.
Carr led all scorers with 24 points, while Derrick Mercer had
18 points. American improves to 16-10 overall and 8-3 in the
Patriot League, 1 ½ games ahead of second-place Navy.
The Raiders fall to 12-13 overall and 4-7 in the PL. Kyle Roemer
led Colgate with 20 points.
American returns home for its next contest, hosting Army on
Wednesday, Feb. 20, at 7:30 p.m. in Bender Arena. For tickets, click here or call (202)
885-TIXX. If you are unable to make it to the game, watch it live
on Eagle Vision All*Access by clicking
here.
