By Brandon Walker for Urban Media Today
American University provided a balanced effort with three-point shooting and aggressive defense as they defeated UMES 78-60 on Saturday afternoon at the Bender Arena in Washington, DC, to conclude a six-game home stand.
The first half began with both teams trading baskets and playing crisply, with few turnovers or fouls. UMES (4-8) led by three after the first media timeout. American (7-4) then scored five straight points to take the lead after the second media timeout. As the half progressed, both teams increased their defensive intensity, but AU began to pull away. Key moments included transition baskets by Madden Collins and Matt Mayock, capitalizing on UMES turnovers.
American led 32-20 at halftime, forcing 15 UMES turnovers, including 11 steals. UMES shot 53% in the first half, while AU shot 42%. Joseph Locandro led UMES with ten points, while Mayock paced AU with ten as well.
AU started shooting better from the floor. Two three-pointers from Geoff Sprouse sparked a decisive 10-0 run, increasing the lead to 22 by the 11:47 mark of the second half, which effectively put the game out of reach. After this run, AU continued playing balanced basketball, with Julen Iturbe and Dean Hogans dominating the low post, while teammates contributed critical perimeter shots.
AU forced 16 turnovers, committed just six, and shot 10-for-15 from three in the second half, which proved decisive. Despite losing, UMES shot 61.9 percent from the field. UMES led points in the paint 38-30, but AU outscored UMES 14-2 on fast breaks.
Hogan led AU off the bench with 14 points, making four of five three-point tries. Iturbe added 13 points, five rebounds, and three steals. Mayock chipped in 12 points. Madden Collins contributed nine points and tied for a game-high with five rebounds, while Kade Sebastian collected four steals. Locandro finished with a game-high 20 points for UMES, and Justin Monden scored 10 for the Hawks.
UMES will be back on the road to play Virginia on Tuesday, while American will next play on Dec. 17 when they travel to VCU.
Follow Brandon on social media: @bwalkerdadon
