WILKES-BARRE, Pa. (January 15, 2022)  – Sophomore Mike Goodall poured in a career-high 21 points as the Stevens Institute of Technology men's basketball turned up the defense in the second half to defeat Wilkes University 77-57 Saturday in a MAC Freedom matchup at the Marts Center.

First-year Jack Spellman had 19 points and nine rebounds and graduate student Alec DiPietrantonio added 14 and 8 for the Ducks, who moved to 5-6 on the year and to 4-3 in conference play. 

Drake Marshall finished with 16 points and Nickerson DeMelfi came off the bench to add 14 for the Colonels, who fell to 3-10 on the year and to 1-6 in the MAC Freedom.

Goodall shot 53 percent from the floor and made a pair of 3-pointers to post his fourth double-digit scoring effort of the season to lead both teams in scoring. The Toms River, New Jersey native was especially on target early, hitting consecutive threes and three free throws sandwiched around a Maguire Sweeney triple, over a two-minute stretch in the first half. 

Although the Ducks shot a season-high 51 percent (26 of 51) from the field, it was the group's defensive effort in the second half that proved to be the difference in the contest.

After Wilkes made 8 of its 16 attempts from behind the arc in the first half as the teams played to a 38-38 tie after 20 minutes, the Ducks only allowed one basket from distance in 10 second-half attempts, while forcing 11 turnovers. Stevens' defense pushed the Colonels into a 10-percent drop in shooting percentage from the first half to the second, allowing a mere five baskets (on just 19 shots). Wilkes' 16 field goals marked a season low and the Colonels were held scoreless over the final 2:23.

A 9-0 run sparked by a three-point play allowed Stevens to jump in front early in the second half and another scoreless stretch by the Colonels that reached nearly six minutes allowed Stevens to push its lead to double digits.

While the Ducks were disrupting Wilkes' offense, they were able to take care of the ball, committing a season-low seven turnovers. The disparity in turnovers helped Stevens gain a 12-3 edge in fast-break points. 

Pivotal Point

• After Sean Coller's short jumper drew the teams even at 40, junior Matt Crowley pushed the ball quickly into the frontcourt. 
• The third-year guard drove down the left side of the paint, drawing two defenders. Crowley deftly shuffled the ball over to Spellman for an easy layup.
• Spellman was fouled on the play and made the ensuing free throw to complete the three-point play, giving Stevens a lead they'd never relinquish.

Inside the Numbers

• Each side pulled down 32 rebounds.
• Wilkes' Derek Heiserman pulled down a game-high 10 rebounds, but was held scoreless before fouling out in the second half.
• The Ducks made 13 of their 15 attempts from the line in the second half.
• Crowley, who made three of his last four shots, matched a season high with six assists.
• Spellman made six of his last seven field goals.
• DiPietrantonio moved to within nine of 1,000 career points.
• Sweeney had a game-high three steals. 
• Spellman and graduate student David Dixon each had one block.
• The Ducks held the conference's second-best offense more than 20 points under their season average.

Unsung Hero

• Junior Andrew Abujawdeh came off the bench to score 11 points, including 7 of 8 from the line. 

From the Court - Head Coach Bobby Hurley

• "I was really happy with how we defended today, especially in the second half. We really locked in and got stops, which allowed us to get into transition."

Up Next

• Men's basketball continues MAC Freedom play on Jan. 19 against FDU-Florham in Canavan Arena.
• The Ducks swept the season series in 2019-20 and have won each of the last five meetings between the teams.
• Links for live stats and video are available on StevensDucks.com.

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