BANNER

Despite a late game rally, Thomas College pulled away in the second half to hand the Badgers a 74-65 setback on Tuesday night.

SUMMARY

Johnson opened the game strong, trading baskets early and trailing just 14-7 after Greg Fitzgerald's three-pointer at 14:47. The Badgers stayed close following a Marty Askenazi triple and Mohammed Semega layup combo at 10:57, trimming the margin to two possessions. Jaylen Brown's dunk at 7:33 lit a fire in Carter Gym, followed by Joseph Gargiulo burying two late threes to pull Johnson within one at 33-32. Thomas answered with a layup in the final seconds to take a 35-32 lead into halftime.

The second half saw Johnson fight back, behind an early jumper from Brown and a layup by Askenazi's, keeping the score tight at 39-36. However, Thomas responded with a would-be decisive run, stretching the lead to double digits. Drew Phillips sparked a late surge with a dunk and tip-in, and Darone Frierson hit a three at 0:39 to make it 73-63. Brown's tip-in at the buzzer brought Johnson to 65 points, but Thomas closed the game at the line for a 74-65 victory.

KEY STATS

• Drew Phillips: 12 points, 7 rebounds
• Jaylen Brown: 11 points, 8 rebounds
• Marty Askenazi: 11 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals
• Joseph Gargiulo: 9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists
• Mohammed Semega: 9 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists

UP NEXT

The Badgers return to action on Wednesday, December 3rd, on the road at Boston University.