LANCASTER, Pa. (January 3, 2012) – Despite a career-high 25 points by senior Dara Mc Keon (Dunboyne, Ireland/St. Peter's College), the Rangers fell short to Misericordia (9-4) by the score of 83-76 in the final game of the Sponaugle New Year's Tournament hosted by Franklin & Marshall. With the loss the Rangers fall to 2-10 on the season.
Terrell Brown (Camden, N.J./Woodrow Wilson) turned in another outstanding effort by recording his 13th career double-double. The junior chipped in 15 points and hauled in a game-high 15 rebounds to help pace the Rangers offense.
For the Cougars, they were also led by a pair of double digit scorers. Ethan Eichorst scored a team-high 23 points with 11 points coming from the free throw line. Jeff Slanovec had the hot hand from beyond the arc, hitting five three pointers en route to an 18-point effort.
The two teams engaged in a seesaw battle from the start with the Rangers grabbing the initial lead over the first eight minutes of play. The lead changed hands seven times in the first 20 minutes and tied up a total of three times.
After Misericordia took a seven point advantage at the break the Rangers opened up the second frame with 9-2 run to tie the game with 16:17 left in the game. Mc Keon single-handedly sparked the run hitting three consecutive 3-pointers to open the half.
After the two teams exchanged baskets over the next few minutes of play the Rangers were once again aided by the three ball when Robby Bier (Milford, Conn./Fairfield Prep) and John Ford (Holbrook, N.Y./Sachem North) combined for three-straight 3-pointers to help give the Rangers a 10-point lead with 6:27 remaining.
The Cougars however had different plans and mustered up one more run to fend off the Rangers. A 12-2 spurt gave Misercordia the lead at the three minute mark and they would not look back. The Cougars sealed the game with a 9-for-10 effort from the free throw line down the stretch.
The Rangers will get back into Landmark Conference play with two games this weekend beginning on Saturday when Drew travels to Susquehanna for a 5:30 matchup with the Crusaders.