Nov. 21, 2006

Box Score

Dover, De. - Neumann (2-1, 1-0 PAC) upset the Wesley Wolverines (0-3, 0-1 PAC) 80-69 in both teams' conference opener in men's basketball action this evening.

 

The Knights came back from an early 12-point deficit in the first half, going on a 13-point run behind the efforts of Mike Hitchens (5), DJ Fritz (4), Jalon Bransford (3) and Leon Dales (2), to take a 31-30 lead at the half.

 

Neumann quickly extended its lead to 11 early in the second half behind a trio of three's by Derahn Patrick, who scored two and Ronnie Fields who added the third. The Knights then took their largest lead of the night, 53-40, when Leon Dales made a thunderous dunk that sent the crowd roaring and added two more points to the Knights' score.

 

Wesley, who was predicated to finish first by the conference's coaches in the pre-season poll, did attempt to close the gap on the Knights coming within five at 8:57. However, the Wolverines wouldn't get any closer as Neumann ended the night up 11, closing out the game 80-69.

 

Neumann's DJ Fritz scored a team high 13 points while Ronnie Fields and Mike Hitchens added 12 a piece to lead the Knights in the win. Nashedd Linton helped out with 4 steals and 4 assists and Jalon Bransford went 3 for 3 at the line.

 

Neumann will return to action on November 26 at Elizabethtown College. Tip-off is set for 3:00 p.m.