CALDWELL, N.J- Caldwell University men's basketball junior
AJ Kittles (Glassboro, N.J.) netted 20 points as they Cougars posted their ninth straight win as they defeated Concordia College 73-66 in a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference contest on senior night. Caldwell secures a spot in the post season with their opponent to be determined following the conclusion of the regular season this weekend.
The Cougars improve to 17-10 overall and 13-5 in the CACC, while the Clippers drop to 9-18 and 6-12 in conference play.
Caldwell raced out to an early lead powered by three-pointers from junior
Ned Ogoemesim (Westampton, N.J.) and Kittles. Harrison drained a pair from downtown as he drained a triple at the 11:58 mark to give the Cougars a 17-11 lead.
Concordia answered as they took their only lead of the game midway through the half at 18-17. The Cougars scored seven straight points as junior
Daan Vianen (Nieuwegein, Netherlands) connected on a three-pointer. Junior
Eric Johnson-Alford (Clifton, N.J.) added four points to help Caldwell push ahead 24-18 with 8:39 left in the half.
Concordia cut the score to one-point but the Cougars finished the half strong to hold a 38-30 lead at halftime.
The Cougars opened the second half with a 14-4 run as they pulled ahead 52-34 at the 13:43 mark. Ogoemesim and Johnson-Alford each scored four points, while Kittles added six points.
The Clippers trimmed the score down to 67-64 with 1:47 left in the game. Ogoemesim answered with a lay-up and the Cougars held off the Clippers down the stretch.
Kittles led the way with 20 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Ogoemesim posted a double-double with 14 points, 11 rebounds and three assists. Senior
Ahmad Harrison (Newark, N.J.) tallied 10 points, eight boards, three assists and five steals. Johnson-Alford finished with nine points and four rebounds.
Prior to the game, Caldwell Athletics recognized its graduating seniors in Harrison and
Thomas Elliott-Smith (Plymouth, England)
The Cougars wrap up the regular season as they travel to Bloomfield College for a CACC contest on Saturday, March 2 at 3:00 pm.
