Jan. 26, 2002
Audio From Post-Game Press Conference:
EASTON, Pa. (www.lafayette.edu) - The Lafayette men's basketball team dropped a hard-fought decision to Colgate, 71-67, on Saturday at Kirby Sports Center.
Colgate (10-8, 2-4) jumped out to an eight-point lead at 14:37 on a Pat Campolieta jumper. Lafayette spent the rest of the first half trying to gain ground against the Raiders' pressure defense. Brian Burke gave Lafayette a 26-23 lead with 15 seconds remaining in the half with a pair of free throws, but Colgate's Keith Williams hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to send the teams into the break tied 26-26.
The Raiders held the momentum in the second half, stretching their lead to 10 points four different times throughout the session. Colgate's Mark Linebaugh made a layup for the Raiders' final 10-point margin at 62-52 with 4:11 remaining. The Leopards fought back and came within two points on an Andrew Pleick layup with 59 seconds on the clock.
On Colgate's next possession, Ben Saxton blocked Linebaugh's shot to give the Leopards a chance with 11 seconds remaining. Burke shot a three-pointer that went wide. Colgate rebounded the ball and sealed the game with two free throws from Dave Hardy to put the final at 71-67.
Burke led the Leopards with a career-high 28 points followed by Mike Farrell with 13 points and eight rebounds. DeBerry and Pleick added 10 points apiece. Colgate was led by Campolieta with 18 points, Linebaugh with 14 and Tim Sullivan with 12 points.
Lafayette (9-10, 3-3) returns to action on Wednesday when it travels to face Lehigh at 7:30 p.m.
