The Colby Echo

Issue date: 2/6/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Courtesy of Steve McGlaughlin Nick Planeta '09

After an up and down January, the Colby men's basketball team opened up the second semester with a resounding 71-45 victory over U-Maine Farmington in front of a boisterous crowd at Wadsworth Gymnasium. The Mules jumped out to a 34-24 halftime lead, and then pulled away from the Beavers with an 18-4 run early in the second half. Freshman sensation Michael Russell led the way with 15 points, 16 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocked shots, dominating inside the paint throughout the contest. Not to be outdone by the freshman, several of Russell's teammates got in on the action as well- Adam Choice,Justin Sherman, and Mark Gaudet all finished in double figures in scoring. Gil Haylon chipped in 9 points, all from beyond the arc, as the Mules went 9-for-20 for the game as a team. Colby showcased their patented unselfish style of basketball, dishing out a gaudy total of 19 assists, led by Sherman's seven and Artie Cutrone's five.

The convincing win surely helped the team recover from a gut-wrenching defeat over the weekend at Trinity, where they lost in heartbreaking fashion by a score of 74-72. Only seconds after Cutrone put Colby on top 72-71, Trinity's Aaron Westbrooks buried a three at the buzzer to send the home fans into delirium and the Mules back to Waterville with a long bus ride to ponder what might have been. Despite the loss, the entire team put in an outstanding effort, namely Adam Choice (21 points, 7 rebounds), Mac Simpson (17 points, 3 assists), and Cutrone (11 points). The team also showed great discipline and skill at the free throw line, going 22-for-23 as a team and led by Choice's 12-for-12 performance.

Some other highlights from over January include a 73-70 win against Husson, a 77-70 victory over Wesleyan last week, and a 72-54 beat down of Maine Maritime. Choice currently leads the Mules in scoring at 18.1 points per game, followed by Cutrone at 14.6 and Gaudet at 13.6. Choice also holds the title of team Windex Man, cleaning up the glass at a clip of 8 boards per game. Point guard Cutrone leads the way in assists, currently averaging 3.3 dimes per contest. The team's record presently stands at 11-10, and the team is looking to close the season out strong in a bid to make the New England Small College Athletic Conference tournament.Three pivotal games remain on the schedule- a clash in Brunswick with arch rival Bowdoin on Saturday night, followed by back to back home games against Bates and Tufts next Friday and Saturday in what will surely decide the team's NESCAC tournament fate.

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