Men's Hoops Drops Physical Battle Against Becker

Chicopee, Mass.- The Elms College men's Basketball team lost a physical game to visiting Becker College by the score of 83-63 on Saturday. Becker advances to 10-9 and 5-3 in the New England Collegiate Conference. The Blazers fall to 1-16 on the season, and 1-7 in the NECC.

The Blazers hung around in the first half and were down by five at the break despite committing 14 first half fouls, compared to Becker's seven. Every player that stepped on the court for the Blazers committed at least one foul. Despite fouling out, Blazers guard Greg Metelus finished with 15 points in 28 minutes. Pablo Ortiz also finished with 15 points and was 7-of-8 from the line.  D.J. Edelen chipped in with 13 points, including three 3-pointers. The Blazers shot just 28.6 percent from the field in the second half. Elms shot 23 free throws, compared to Becker's 38.

Becker forward Samuel Durodola had a huge day. He finished with a game-high 34 points to go along with 10 rebounds. He shot 3-of-3 from behind the arc, and 13-of-19 from the free throw line. Guard Kareem Davis added 14 points on 18 shots.

Becker picked up three technical fouls, all coming within the span of ten minutes in the second half. Despite the technicals, Becker was able to pull away due to their domination of the glass.  The Hawks out-rebounded Elms 47-34, and 28-15 in the second half. Becker shot 44.3 percent for the game. 

The second half, prolonged by an injury and an abundance of fouls, saw the Blazers go on a few runs to attempt to get back in the game. Back-to-back threes by Edelen pulled the Blazers within seven, but that was the closest they would get the rest of the way. 

The Blazers will look to get back in the win column on Monday, when they travel to take on out-of-conference foe Western Connecticut State University, at 7:00 P.M.  Becker returns home seeking their 11^th win on the season, when they square off against Lesley in an NECC game.