CALDWELL, N.J.- Senior Billy McDonald (North Haven, CT) scored 19 points but the Caldwell University men's basketball team fell to national #20 Southern Connecticut St. University Owls 100-71 in non-conference play.
 
The Cougars fall to 4-7 overall, while the nationally ranked Owls improve to 9-2.
 
Southern Connecticut jumped out to a 21-4 lead over the first seven minutes of play. Caldwell rallied with 10 of the next 14 points in the game. Thomas Elliott-Smith (Plymouth, England) drained a pair of free throws, while senior Salvatore Vitello (Bridgewater, NJ) and McDonald each connected on three-pointers. Senior Dawan Lighty (Paterson, NJ) capped the burst with a lay-up to cut the score to 25-14 at the midway point of the half. The Owls added to their lead as they pulled ahead 44-22 at halftime.
 
McDonald scored six of Caldwell's eight points to start the second half as the Cougars trimmed the score to 47-30 at the 18:05 mark. The Owls netted the next five points as they held a double digit lead the rest of the way.

For the Cougars, McDonald led the way with 19 points along with three rebounds. Senior Brian Kenny (Howell, NJ) chipped in 10 points and four boards, while Vitello tallied eight points, three boards, four assists and three steals. Lighty posted six points, three boards and three steals, while junior Austin Woods (Milford, CT) finished with five points and six rebounds.
 
The Cougars wrap up their 2015 slate of games as they travel to Le Moyne College on Saturday, December 19 for a 2 pm tip-off.