February 10, 2007
Thomas Lifts Haverford Past Dickinson, 51-50;
Fords Clinch Centennial Postseason Berth
CARLISLE, PA – Sophomore guard Chaz Thomas
drained the game-winning three-pointer with nine seconds remaining
to lift visiting Haverford past Centennial Conference opponent
Dickinson 51-50 Saturday afternoon. The Fords improve to 11-11
overall and 10-6 in Centennial play with the win, while the Red
Devils fall to 7-15 and 5-11. Today's victory secures a Haverford
playoff spot in the Centennial postseason tournament.
Haverford's defense and selective shooting held Dickinson at bay
in the first half. The Fords led by as many as 11 points in the
first half, but went into the break with a 25-16 advantage. Haverford
held Dickinson to only five field goals and 27.8% shooting in
the first half, while the Fords connected on 46.2% of their field
goal attempts.
Down nine with 14:03 left in the game, Dickinson went on a 7-0
run over the next 2:56 to cut its deficit down to 34-32. The Fords
maintained a small lead until the Red Devils Jon Skvarka connected
on a three-pointer, pulling Dickinson ahead 50-48 with 39 seconds
to go. Haverford couldn't find the basket on its next possession,
as Dickinson grabbed the rebound. Dickinson's Mike Geosits was
fouled immediately after he grabbed the rebound, but missed the
front end of a one-and-one, with Haverford senior guard Mike Fratangelo
grabbing the rebound. Haverford turned the ball over on its next
possession. Dickinson went back to the free throw line for another
shot at converting a one-and-one, but Red Devils guard Kizmahr
Grell missed the first free throw, with Haverford sophomore David
Nowacki grabbing the board. Dickinson's missed free throws came
back to haunt them after Thomas nailed his only three-pointer
of the game, giving Haverford the 51-50 edge with nine seconds
left. Grell had one more chance to win the game for Dickinson,
but his layup attempt was blocked by Nowacki, securing the Haverford
win.
Haverford shot 37.5% in the second half while Dickinson shot 52%
in the period. The Fords went five-of-eight from the charity stripe
in the game, while the Red Devils converted on eight-of-thirteen
attempts.
Senior forward Ray Brown led all scorers with 17 points in the
game, while Fratangelo added 11 points, five rebounds, and tied
a game-high with four assists in the Haverford win.
The Fords current 11-11 overall record is the first time the team
has been at .500 all season. Haverford is in third-place by two
games in the conference standings with two games to go.
Haverford will host Ursinus (16-7, 13-3) on Valentine's day for
a 7:00 p.m. tip. The Fords dropped their first meeting of the
season against the second place Bears 70-53 back on January 24
in Collegeville.
