WATERVILLE, ME – The Jumbos of Tufts University took game one of the Charlie Ryan Classic 88-82 over the Nighthawks of Newbury College on Friday night at Thomas College. The Jumbos were led by senior Alex Orchowski's (Cornwall, NY) 18 points and five rebounds.
The Jumbos (1-0) got off to a fast start from behind the arch shooting 8 for 15 in the first half. Tufts controlled the first half shooting 53 percent from the field overall and were 6 for 8 from the free throw line, while holding the Nighthawks (1-1) to 37.9 percent from the field in the half. At the end of the half the Jumbos led the Nighthawks 48-37.
The Nighthawks came out in the second half and got back into the game by shooting 46.2 percent from the field, while holding the Jumbos to 40.7 percent from the field. The Nighthawks' second-half explosion was led by sophomore Eric Watson with 26 points. Along with Watson, sophomore Steve Rosemond kept the Nighthawks in the game with 21 points.
Watson finished with the game-high scoring with 26 points. Although the Nighthawks outscored the Jumbos 45-40 in the second half the Jumbos held on for the win with 88-82 final score.
Tufts spread the scoring around with ten out of the eleven players who played scoring. Joining Orchowski in double figures was sophomore guard Kwame Firempong (Inglewood, CA) with 14 points, freshman Ben Ferris (Essex Junction, VT) with 12 and freshman C.J. Moss (Westport, MA) with 11. Junior tri-captain Scott Anderson (Sudbury, MA) added eight points, nine rebounds and six assists. Ferris finished with five steals.
The Jumbos will take on the host Thomas Terriers, who won game two of the Charlie Ryan Classic, on Saturday at 3:30 pm in the championship game. Thomas defeated the University of Maine at Presque Isle Owls 81-66 in the late game. The Nighthawks will take on the Owls in the consolation game at 1 pm.