MEADVILLE, Pa. – Nationally-ranked Wooster orchestrated a sizzling performance on offense in carving up the Gators, 73-51, at the David V. Wise Center on Wednesday night. After weathering a strong stand by Allegheny in the first half, the Fighting Scots pulled away in the second behind a high-gear attack.
A three by Devone McLeod reduced Wooster's advantage to 34-31 one minute into the second half, although that was as close as the Gators would get as the Fighting Scots manufactured a 26-7 run over the next 13 minutes. Jake Mays was especially efficient during the game-breaking stretch, while rookie guard Xavier Brown was sensational. Wooster shot 59% for the game including a 7-of-14 clip from beyond the arc.
Allegheny delivered a spirited comeback in the opening period after a strong start by Wooster threatened an early blow out. Freshman Gabe Seidman, who finished with 11 points, three assists, and two steals, fueled the rally while David Dibernardi made good use of the charity stripe. Allegheny was never in front during the game, although the Gators were within one possession of the lead on several occasions.
Seidman and McLeod paced Allegheny with 11 markers a piece. Kyle Murphy chipped in a career-high eight points, as did DiBernardi.
Although Wooster proved dangerous from the outside, it won the game with a commanding edge in the middle. The Scots won the battle on the glass, 30-18, and boasted a 36-16 advantage in the paint. Josh Claytor led all players with 16 points and eight boards. Brown finished with 15 on 6-of-7 shooting, while Mays was 5-of-6 from the floor en route to 14 points.