Williams was unable to pull out a victory, falling to Bowdoin 76-71
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“It wasn’t the offensive end that hurt us in this game, it was that we just didn’t guard at the level we are capable of,” said Ephs coach Mike Maker. “When you miss nine free throws and struggle defensively, it makes it difficult.”
Kyle Jackson led the way for Bowdoin with a team-high 22 points on 7-14 shooting. Junior forward Mark Phillips also helped shoulder the scoring load chipping in 15 points for the Polar Bears, who improve to 3-4 in NESCAC play. The Ephs drop to 5-2 in league and fall two games back of Middlebury in the race for the league championship.
The outcome was certainly not the result of a lack of effort on Schultz’s part. The junior scored a game-high 24 points, including 20 in the second half. The Ephs’ leading scorer also played a major role defensively, corralling a game-high nine rebounds, one shy of a double-double. “It makes my job easy when one of your best players is also one of your hardest workers,” Maker said of Schultz’s performance. “He had to play 76 minutes this weekend.” Snyder also had a big game for the Ephs, playing all 40 minutes and contributing 13 points.
Going into crunch time Williams seemed to have the upper hand. Trailing 72-71 with just over a minute remaining, Schultz stepped in the passing lane to steal a pass and appeared to have an open layup. However, he was hit hard by Bowdoin freshman Ryan O’Connell, who was subsequently whistled for an intentional foul. Unfortunately for the Ephs, Schultz was unable to convert on either free throw, and after getting the ball back, Alex Rubin’s jumper rimmed out.
After Bowdoin senior Tim Lane hit two free throws to make the score 74-71, the Ephs still had one more opportunity to tie the game with a three-ball. But the Polar Bears clamped down defensively and prevented the Ephs from getting a quality look. Two more free throws by Lane then sealed the outcome.
Maker was obviously moved by the atmosphere that comes with Senior Day. Despite the loss, the Williams coach still noted that the game was an emotional experience. “I am just so fortunate to coach such quality young men,” Maker remarked, referring to the Ephs seniors, Snyder, Michael Kearney, Tommas Golia, and Grant Meyer. “Those four guys are all obviously great basketball players, but more importantly, they’re good people. We’re going to miss them.”
The Ephs return to action on Friday, February 13th against the rival Lord Jeffs in Amherst. Game time is set for 7:30 pm.
