Dec. 12, 2009

Box Score | Photo Gallery | | News Stand | Official Lafayette Gear

EASTON, Pa. - Fran O'Hanlon recorded his 200th career coaching victory on Saturday in a 77-63 decision versus Long Island. Sophomore Jim Mower, needed just three days to break his own career-high in scoring, ending the game with 25 points following a 23-point effort vs. Fairleigh Dicksinon on Wednesday.

Mower, who was 6-of-7 from three-point range, was one of three players in double figures. Jeff Kari came off the bench to chip in 16 while Jared Mintz finished with 14 points and led the squad with seven rebounds.

The Leopards (6-5) used a 19-5 run to break open the game in the first half. The run started at the 11-minute mark with a Michael Gruner layup and Mower further fanned the flames, scoring 11 points in the span. Lafayette led 31-18 with 5:13 left in the half.

Mower was 4-of-5 from three- three-point range in the first half and Lafayette went into the break up 38-27.

For the second straight game, the Maroon and White pulled away early in the second half after a 13-2 spurt. In the first four minutes after intermission, Mower hit two three-pointers and was later fouled on another three-pointer. He converted all of those attempts and a Nick Petkovich three at 15:57 gave Lafayette a 51-31 lead.

Long Island (4-5) finished with four players in double figures, led by Jaytornah Wisseh with 18 points, Kyle Johnson (15) Michael Culpo (15) and Arnold Mayorga (10). Johnson had a team-high nine rebounds as LIU outrebounded Lafayette 38-33.

The Leopards shot 46 percent from the field, 48 percent from beyond the arc and 76 percent from the stripe. Lafayette, which is leading the Patriot League in blocks, had six on Saturday with Darion Benbow and Marek Koltun with two apiece.

Lafayette breaks for nine days from game action to prepare for and take final exams before returning to action at St. Francis (N.Y.) on Dec. 22.