WALTHAM, MA – Sophomore forward Austin Fowler (Farmington Hills, MI/Brother Rice) scored a game-high 22 points, but the Case Western Reserve University men's basketball team fell in the final seconds, 55-53, to Brandeis University on Sunday, February 13 at Red Auerbach Arena.

With the loss, the Spartans fall to 8-14 overall and 4-7 in the University Athletic Association. Brandeis improves to 15-7 and 5-6 UAA.

Fowler was a perfect 8-of-8 from the free throw line. In addition, junior forward Tom Summers (Murrysville, PA/Franklin Regional) -- pictured right -- totaled 17 points, six rebounds and three steals.  

The Spartans led 8-7 in the first half when Fowler followed a miss with a layup at 10:41. Brandeis scored six of the next eight to move ahead 13-10 as Ben Bartoldus hit a layup with 6:57 left in the period. Case was able to regain control with a 9-2 run culminating in a free throw by senior wing Reid Anderson (Avon Lake, OH/St. Edward) that made the score 19-15 at 3:11. The lead changed hands once more before the Spartans finished the half on a 4-0 run to lead 26-23.

In the second half, Case's lead grew to a game-high tying nine following a Summers three-point play that made the score 40-31 with 12:39 left to play. Brandeis chipped away and got to within one when Youri Dascy hit one-of-two from the charity stripe to make the score 43-42 with 6:24 remaining.  The Judges got to within one again at 3:51 when Alex Stoyle hit a free throw to make it 46-45, but the Spartans got a clutch three-pointer on their next possession from senior guard Colin Mulholland (Jacksonville, FL/Bishop Kenny) to make it 49-45 at 3:23.

Brandeis kept the pressure on and eventually tied the score at 51 following a Jay Freeman layup at 1:41. Each side then hit two free throws on the ensuing possessions to bring the score to 53-53. The Spartans turned the ball over on their next turn and Brandeis' Dascy was able to get to the line for one free throw with eight seconds left on the clock. The Spartans had a chance at the game-winning shot, but it was not to be and Brandeis got to the line for one more to clinch the win.

The Spartans return to action next Friday, February 18 versus Emory University (GA) at 8:00 p.m. Prior to tip-off, five senior student-athletes will be honored. In addition, Case Western Reserve will hold its annual Provost Pizza night, with free pizza for all fans in attendance.