WATERVILLE, ME
The UMPI Men's team played their second contest in the Charlie Ryan Classic, hosted by Thomas College when they took on Paul Smith's College.
How it Happened:
The Bobcats started off hot climbing out to a 19-7 advantage over the Owls as they made shots left and right. UMPI battled back however, with a run of their own outscoring them 17-7 to take a 27-24 lead. The teams continued to go punch for punch all the way to halftime where UMPI led 40-35. The second half was neck and neck throughout, but UMPI ultimately led wire to wire in that second half though PSC came close to tying it on several occasions. UMPI ended up prevailing 86-78.
The Owls shot 50.7% from the field on the day, making good decisions and knocking down shots when it mattered. They also cleaned up the offensive glass a bit better than the day before with nine offensive rebounds compared to yesterday's two.
Top Performers:
In a similar tune to yesterday's victory, the UMPI starting five continued to get it done. Akhe McMichael keeps up his torrid pace leading UMPI in scoring for the fourth time through their first four games. On Saturday, he had 22 points, going 9-11 from the field bringing his field goal percentage to an astounding 71.4% on the year.
Not far behind was Dwaine Williams, who had 16 points, bringing his average to 14.3 PPG in the early goings of the season. Senior leader Gilbert Jean Mendez had 12 points and led the team in rebounds with seven. Myles Jones was in double digits again with 10, going 5-8 from the field.
Next Up:
The Owls continue to play well as a team and appear to be clicking in many different ways. Now, on their first 3-game winning streak since the 2022-23 season they will have a few days off before traveling to take on NESCAC opponent Bowdoin College on November 20th. That game will begin at 6:30pm in Brunswick, Maine.
