NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. – The Thiel College men's basketball team lost a non-conference game to No. 18 Carthage College, 70-66, Saturday afternoon at the Buzz Ridl Classic, hosted by Westminster College.
Carthage came into the game ranked No. 18 in the D3Hoops.com Preseason Top 25.
The opening 10 minutes of the game saw both teams trade baskets. Carthage opened up an 18-13 lead midway through the first half. Carthage closed the first half on a 16-6 run to head into halftime up 34-19.
The Tomcats cut into the Firebirds lead, but Carthage seemed to always have an answer.
Thiel cut the deficit to single digits with just over 11 minutes left in the game.
Carthage led by 11 with 5:04 remaining in the game. Thiel then went on a 10-1 run, forcing Carthage into a timeout.
Carthage then went back up by seven after a layup and two free throws.
Thiel cut the deficit to just two with 1:19 remaining after
Rayshod Hooper (Baltimore, Md./St. Frances Academy) drilled a jumper.
Carthage was able to knock down a pair of free throws with six seconds left to seal the win.
Thiel was led by sophomore guard
Elijah Harden (Sharon, Pa./Kennedy Catholic) who recorded 20 points and four rebounds, including knocking down 5-6 free throws.
Rayshod Hooper (Baltimore, Md./St. Frances Academy) recorded 11 points while
Ethan Barnes (Boynton Beach, Fla./Suncoast) recorded 10 points and four rebounds.
Marlon Ellerbee (Temple Hills, Md./Oxon Hill) added eight points and three assists.
Cathage was led by Julian Campbell who recorded 18 points and eight rebounds. Antuan Nesbitt recorded 15 points while Fillip Bulatovic recorded a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds.
The Tomcats are back in action on Wednesday when they open up Presidents' Athletic Conference play on the road against Geneva. The conference game is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.
