Corey Diethorn, Alex Popp lead men's basketball past Southern Connecticut, 96-62, in Northeast-10 Conference action

January 19, 2008

ASSUMPTION 96, SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT 62

WORCESTER, Mass. --- Senior forward COREY DIETHORN (Pittsburgh, PA/Sewickley Academy) and senior forward ALEX POPP (Winchester, MA/Winchester/Northfield-Mt. Hermon) each scored 16 points to lead five double-figure scorers as Assumption College men's basketball rambled past Northeast-10 Conference rival Southern Connecticut State University, 96-62, SATURDAY at the Laska Gym.

The Greyhounds have now won nine of their last 11 games to move to 14-5 overall and 8-4 in the conference standings, tied with Stonehill College for thrid-place. behind Bentley (11-0) and Saint Rose (9-3). Southern Connecticut falls to 6-10 overall and 2-9 in the conference.

The 34-point margin of victory was the most by the Greyhounds since a 36-point, 97-61, win over West Virginia Tech in the opening round of the Mercyhurst Tournament (November 21, 2003). It was the largest margin of victory in the Laska Gym since a 42-point, 91-49, triumph over Post, CT University (November 24, 2001).

Diethorn had 10 points in the first half as the Greyhounds built a 39-29 advantage. The Greyhounds defense played a major role holding the Owls to just .323 from the floor (20-for-62) and just two-for-11 (.182) from three point territory.

When freshman forward MIKE BALDARELLI (Sutton, MA/Holy Name) converted a fastbreak layin on a steal and feed by Diethorn with 10:28 left in the second half the Greyhounds had moved to an insurmountable 20-point lead at 62-42.

A rare eight-point possession in which junior guard MITCH BAJEMA (Whitinsville, MA/Whitinsville Christian) converted six technical free throws and freshman guard DOMINIQUE PRICE (Worcester, MA/Holy Name) finished a nifty athletic move to the basket on a feed from junior guard/forward PATRICK SHEA (Salem, MA/Salem) increased the margin to 32 points with 6:55 left.

The game would also feature the first three-pointers of the season for reserve forward

MAREK KULIG (Brick, NJ/Msgr. Donovan) and two by sophomore guard WALTER WEEKES (Worcester, MA/Holy Name)---who scored eight straight points!

Diethorn finished with his 18th career double-double adding 11 rebounds to his 16 points, while Shea, Bajema and sophomore guard COURTLAND BLUFORD (Ft. Washington, MD/St. Vincent Pallotti) ended with 10 points each Popp was a perfect five-for-five from the floor (three three-pointers). Diethorn now has 938 points in his career tied with former standouts John Jenkins (1960-64) and O McGee-Sharp (2000 02, 02-05) in 38th place.

Senior forward KTRICE MC NEILL (Bronx, NY/Fashion Institute) paced the Owls with 14 points on five-for-seven floor accuracy. Junior forward PRESTON BELL (Brooklyn, NY/Long Island City) and junior guard JUSTIN GARDENHIRE (Rosedale, NY/Globe Institute) each added 10 points.

The Greyhounds are next in action TUESDAY when they host Franklin Pierce University at the Laska Gym at 7:30 p.m. in another Northeast-10 Conference game.

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