Tyler Peters, left, and Darius Watson battle for a rebound during the D-III All-Star Game. Photo by Eric Kelley, d3photography.com |
Kyle Schleigh (UT-Dallas) and Richie Bonney (Hobart) powered a balanced attack with 15 points apiece as the West All-Stars led a comeback in the final nine minutes to top the East All-Stars, 104-101, in the Reese's® Division III College All-Star game Saturday afternoon at the Salem Civic Center. Reese's is the official candy partner of the NCAA.
The East All-Stars, who were led by Andre Nixon (Purchase) with 20 points, led 52-46 at halftime and held the lead for most of the second half.
A layup by Bonney with 8:17 to play tied the score at 86-86 and the West never trailed again. David Langan (Wesley) and Schleigh followed with baskets before another Bonney score gave the West a 93-86 advantage.
Two free throws by Nixon with 1:30 remaining cut the West lead to two points before Jared Suderley (Hartwick) scored on a layup with 23 seconds left to seal the win.
Langan led coach Bill Leatherman's (Bridgewater) West team with 13 rebounds and DJ Woodmore (Virginia Wesleyan) added 10. Langan and Adam Honig (Dickinson) each scored 14 points while Woodmore and Tyler Peters (Wheaton) added 13 points apiece.
Mike Garrow (Eastern Connecticut) had 10 rebounds for the East, coached by Charlie Brock (Springfield). Darius Watson (Albertus Magnus) and Michael Woods (York, N.Y.) each scored 14 points while Dillon Stith (St. Vincent) and Daniel Kornbaum (Augsburg) contributed 13 points each.
The Reese's All-Star game is conducted by the National Association of Basketball Coaches and is played annually during the NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Championship.
During the festivities in Salem, the all-star players partnered with members of the Special Olympics.