MEADVILLE, Pa. – Frostburg State converted 22-of-29 from the free-throw line, well above its season average in terms of both percentage and makes, and the Bobcats pulled away late from Allegheny, 75-67, on Monday night at the David V. Wise Center. The Gators hurt themselves at the other end of the floor by connecting on just 7-of-14 from the foul line in a game that featured six ties, five lead changes, and was tight until the waning minutes of regulation.
Allegheny (2-3) appeared to hit its stride early in the second half after turning a four-point deficit into a four-point lead five minutes into the re-start. Sophomore Devone McLeod, who finished with a team-high 16 points, ignited the 17-9 run with a three while consecutive lay-ups by Donte Briscoe and D'Andre Corbin pushed the Gators in front. A pair of inside baskets by James Ness and rookie Bobby Theiss gave Allegheny its largest lead of the night at 45-41 with just over 15 minutes left to play.
Frostburg State's (4-1) Jamal Bracken, who totaled 21 points and seven rebounds in a tremendous all-around effort, leveled the score with back-to-back jumpers in the paint and the differential never extended to more than four for either team until the final six minutes of the game.
Ness pushed the lead back to four (51-47) for the Blue and Gold with 11 minutes left in the tilt, although a 12-2 run by the Bobcats over the next five minutes provided a lead the visitors wouldn't relinquish. Eight of the points during the run were picked up at the free-throw line while Brian Anderson, who proved to be Frostburg's only deep threat, canned a triple for the go-ahead score.
A two-handed dunk in the lane by Ness pulled the Gators within four, but Allegheny couldn't get any closer after missing five straight from the field down the stretch.
The Bobcats improved to 4-1 despite another sub-par effort from the floor (24-of-60, 40%). They did capitalize on 22 made free throws, including 18 in the second half, as well as a 17-10 advantage on second chance points. Anderson cooled off after a hot start, although he still finished with a game-best 22 points and a game-high three steals.
Allegheny, which secured a blow out in its last outing behind an effective effort from beyond the arc, struggled from three-point range on Monday, including 2-of-9 over the final 20 minutes. Ness added 14 points, eight rebounds, and three assists for the Gators, while freshman Ryan Stanko chipped in 10 markers despite an off-shooting night.
Briscoe and Corbin also supplied an extended presence for Allegheny. Briscoe filled the stat sheet with nine points, a game-high nine boards, two blocks, and two steals. Corbin scored six points, dished out a game-high five assists, and hauled in a career-best six rebounds.
NOTES: Monday marked the first-ever meeting between Allegheny and Frostburg State and just the third game for the Gators against the Capital Athletic Conference…Allegheny, which defeated Salisbury, 68-58, during the 2008-09 season is now 1-2 against the CAC…Bobby Theiss logged a career-high 23 minutes and collected a career-best four rebounds…Frostburg State led by as many as seven points in the first half and took a 34-30 advantage into the break.