At American (Saturday 2/18)
Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2023 6:40 pm
I attended Lehigh's hang on for dear life 62-59 win over host American today in DC. The Mountain Hawks enjoyed a balanced offensive attack (four players scored in double figures) and a solid defensive effort (AU shot 44.6% from the field and only 1 for 11 from 3 point range). Lehigh led for most of the 1st half and enjoyed a 33-27 advantage at halftime. They extended their lead to 14 points (51-37) with a little more than 10 minutes remaining in regulation. After that though, they struggled mightily on the offensive end with stagnant play and turnovers. The Eagles gradually chipped away at the LU lead and cut it to 1 point (60-59) with under 10 seconds remaining. But Jalin Sinclair, who up to that point in the game was scoreless, inbounded the ball off an American player who had his back turned, regained possession, was fouled, and made two key free throws to extend the Mountain Hawks' advantage back to 3 points. On the final AU possession, Reed Fenton, who also did little positive on the stat sheet, partially blocked the Eagles' final 3 point attempt (LU's only blocked shot of the game) to thwart the potential tie.
In terms of individual standouts, Keith Higgins led the way with 18 points, including three 3-pointers. Evan Taylor contributed 16 points and 6 rebounds, Tyler Whitney-Sidney added 12 points, 7 rebounds, and a team high 4 assists, and Dominic Parolin came off the bench to pitch in 10 points and 9 rebounds.
In terms of individual standouts, Keith Higgins led the way with 18 points, including three 3-pointers. Evan Taylor contributed 16 points and 6 rebounds, Tyler Whitney-Sidney added 12 points, 7 rebounds, and a team high 4 assists, and Dominic Parolin came off the bench to pitch in 10 points and 9 rebounds.