WARRIORS DEFEAT DREW;
CLINCH PLAYOFF BIRTH

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – The Lycoming College men’s basketball team hosted Drew University Wednesday evening, hoping to move one step closer to a birth in the MAC Freedom Conference playoffs. The Warriors did their part by defeating the Rangers 78-70. Lycoming also got some help from the University of Scranton who defeated FDU-Madison, securing the Warriors a third-place regular season finish and a trip to the playoffs.

The Warriors took the first substantial lead of the night midway through the first half when they went on an 8-0 run to break a tie score. Lycoming would never trail again, as they battled off numerous comeback attempts by Drew. The Warriors led by nine points at the half and pulled away from the Rangers with a 9-0 run with just under 12 minutes to play. Drew pulled within five down the stretch, but clutch free throw shooting by Lycoming sealed the win.

Chris Napier (Jr./Port Jervis, NY; Minisink Valley) led the team in both scoring and rebounding with 18 points and eight rebounds. Rob Johnson (Jr./Bradley Beach, NJ; Manasquan) came off the bench to score 15 points and grab five rebounds. Senior David Ganisin (Endicott, NY; Union Endicott) added 10 points, six rebounds and two blocked shots.

George Patsos was the Rangers’ leading scorer with 19 points. He also pulled down 10 rebounds.

The Warriors are now 12-11 overall and 7-6 within the Freedom Conference. Drew drops to 9-14 and 4-9. Lycoming will finish the regular season on Saturday at FDU-Madison. Tip-off is 3 p.m. The Warriors will open playoff competition on Wednesday, February 21 at the University of Scranton. Game time will be announced.

Prior to Wednesday’s game against Drew, Lycoming honored seniors David Ganisin, Brian Lindsay (Gettysburg; Gettysburg) and David Stark (Sugerloaf; Bishop Hafey).