Nov. 14, 2010

Box Score

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. -- Junior Jim Mower scored a career-high 31 points on eight three-pointers, but a 10-0 Rider run in the final seven minutes allowed the Broncs to take control and register an 80-73 decision on Sunday night at Alumni Gymnasium.

Four players scored in double figures for Lafayette led by Mower and joined by Ryan Willen (12), Jared Mintz (11) and Ben Wheeler (10).

Lafayette cut the Rider lead to five twice and four in the final 1:35, but couldn't get any closer. Mower's eighth and final three-pointer, which tied his career best from long distance, brought Lafayette within 77-74 with 46 second left. Lafayette was forced to foul and committed two turnovers on the final three possessions.

The game was tied for the first time with 5:21 in the half when Rob Delaney finished a layup to tie the game at 26-26. Rider led for the rest of the first half, holding a 43-36 advantage at the half.

Lafayette tied the game at 58-58 on another Mower three-pointer. Mintz gave Lafayette a 61-58 advantage with his own three-point play at 10:22 to cap a 9-0 run. The game was tied for the fourth and final time on Wheeler's floater with 7:22 left.

Two Jhamar Youngblood free throws kicked off a decisive 10-0 run at 7:14 that included three-pointers by Justin Robinson (6:03) and Brandon Penn (3:08). Robinson finished with 18 points for the Broncs when Penn added 12.

Lafayette shot 55 percent from the long range for the night and 51 percent from the field. Rider shot 56 percent from the field and hit 9-of-20 three's.

Then Leopards play their home opener on Wednesday at 7 p.m., hosting St. Francis (Pa.).

NOTES:

Jim Mower's 31 points were first 30-plus scoring night since Andrew Brown '09 on Dec. 17, 2008 against Robert Morris.

Lafayette and Rider are both former members of the East Coast Conference.

Freshman Jake Kreuser saw his first game action of the season, playing six minutes.