Nashua, NH- Rivier (5-12, 2-9) took a step closer to getting into that final playoff spot for the conference tournament as they swept the season series between the Suffolk Rams (5-12, 1-10) this afternoon by holding on to a 91-81 win.
In the first half of the game, the Rams had a 41-36 lead by going 11-16 from the free throw line and forcing the Raiders to commit 13 turnovers. The Raiders were able to keep it close at half as they went shooting 5-8 from behind the arc and had 11 defensive rebounds to limit Suffolk's second chance opportunities in the half.
As the second half started, Rivier put the pedal to the floor as they continued their hot shooting by finishing the game shooting 55% from the floor, which was well above their season shooting average of 41%. The Raiders also stepped up their D by holding the Rams to just 36% shooting from the floor and 35% from 3 point land. The Raiders got the Rams in to foul trouble as they made the Rams commit 36 fouls in the game. The Raiders were able to convert 24 of 31 free throws compared to just 1 of 4 in the first half from the line.
Joe Granato (Arlington, MA) had a perfect day shooting the ball as he went 5-5 from the floor, including 4-4 from the 3, and went 5 for 5 from the free throw line for a total of 19 points in the game. Don Poitras (Bow, NH) did his part for the Raiders by scoring a game high 21 points, grabbed 6 boards, and dished out 5 assists. Freshman Brian Troy (Keene, NH) had the finest game of his young career by going 4-4 for 3 with a total of 19 points on the afternoon.
Sophomore Sam Hutchins (Andover, MA) scored 12 of his team high 18 points in the second half for the Rams by going 8-8 from the stripe and shot 5 of 9 from the floor. Junior Mike Fleming (Exeter, NH) had a nice game for the Rams as he scored 15 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Senior Mario Massimino (East Haven, CT) went 7-7 from the line and ended up with 13 points while only playing 12 minutes for the Rams.
The Raiders will have a tough test ahead of them as the welcome 3rd ranked Emerson College to the Muldoon Health and Fitness Center on Monday February 1, 2010 at 7:00 PM. The Rams will head to Lasell on February 1, 2010 for a 7:00 PM start.
(Story courtesy of Rivier College Sports Information)