Dec. 8, 2008
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BRONX, N.Y. - A pair of freshmen led the Lafayette men's basketball team with career-high production, but the Leopards had no answer for Fordham senior forward Chris Bethel, who notched his second double-double performance of his career. His 19 points and 12 rebounds led the Rams to a 79-58 victory over the Leopards on Monday night.
Freshman Jim Mower sank four three-pointers en route to a 14-point performance in Rose Hill Gym. Classmate Alex Orchowski also posted a career-high seven points, including his first career three-pointer.
Lafayette (2-6) played nearly even with Fordham in the second half, outscored 36-35. But, the Leopards' 20-point first-half deficit was simply too much to overcome.
Though Lafayette won the tip, Fordham was the first to score. Bethel laid the ball in before Darion Benbow responded with a layup of his own to make the score 2-2. It would be the only time Lafayette would tie the game. The Leopards never owned a lead throughout the night.
The Rams (1-6) poured on as much as a 21-point lead in the first half when Bethel hit a three-pointer with 3:07 remaining. The Leopards entered halftime facing a 20-point deficit, 43-23.
Lafayette head coach Fran O'Hanlon elected to go with a quartet of freshmen for much of the second half, throwing the sophomore Benbow and junior Jeff Kari into the mix as the veteran leaders. Orchowski scored all seven of his points in the second half as did classmate Nick Petkovich (five points).
Bethel was one of four players in double figures for the Rams. Mike Moore had 17 while Jio Fontan and Brenton Butler had 13 apiece.
The Leopards will take a break for finals week before returning to the court on Dec. 17 for a 7 p.m. tip at home against Robert Morris.
NOTES: Junior guard Michael Gruner made his return from injury, playing five minutes all in the first half. He checked in at 16:48 in the first half, but did not play at all in the second half. Gruner, a returning starter had not played since the season opener at Wagner.
Lafayette and Fordham were even on the glass, each grabbing 36 rebounds.
