NASHUA, N.H. – The Norwich University men's basketball team utilized a strong second half to defeat Rivier University, 65-50, in Great Northeast Athletic Conference matchup on Saturday at the Muldoon Gymnasium. With the win, the Cadets improve their record to 8-14 overall and 5-11 in the league, while Rivier falls to 4-19 on the year and 3-13 in the GNAC.

Norwich had good performances turned in by Mike Hogervorst (Leiden, Netherlands) who was able to score 20 points including a near perfect shooting percentage from the line 10-of-11 as Evan Tullar (Chelsea, Vt.) also chipped in with 20 points and four rebounds. Ryan Booth (Northfield, Vt.) added 11 points for his team with Tommy Fitzgerald (Willston, Vt.) contributing seven points and a team-high seven rebounds in the win.

Rivier started off hot in this one. With some good offensive shooting, the Raiders were able to take a quick 9-0 lead with Andre Ruff (Lowell, Mass.) scoring 7 points on the run. On offense, the Raiders looked as if they couldn't miss, outscoring the Cadets 16-6 in the first 5 minutes of the half. Defensively, the Raiders communicated well and forced Norwich to rush their possessions. As a result, the Cadets made some bad decisions and took poor shots early in the possession.

Despite the slow start, the Cadets were able to put together a nice run of their own. Down 16-6, Norwich, with a few key 3-point shots, was able to trim the Raider lead to just four behind an 8-0 run. The rest of the half was back and forth. Neither the Raiders nor the Cadets were able to really pull away. The Raiders were able to hold strong towards the end to hold onto a 7 point lead for the 34-27 score at the break.

The second half for the Cadets was much different than the first. Great team defense and good shot selection led to a very productive half. Because of the pressure defense applied by the Cadets, Rivier committed four turnovers in the frame that resulted to baskets for Norwich. Down seven at the half, the Cadets, using the 6-foot-11 Hogervorst as their aggressor, were able to get a lot of favorable matchups.

Behind an impressive run by the Cadets, the Raiders were forced to call time at the seven minute mark. The Cadets held a 14 point lead and seemingly all of the momentum. The Raiders had to overcome some steep odds in order to contest for a comeback bid. Ultimately, the efforts by the Raiders were not enough, as the Cadets powered their way to the victory.

Rivier was led by Ruff, who finished the day with 17 points, four rebounds, and four assists. Kywane Thomas (Hartford, Conn.) added an additional nine points and five rebounds, while Edward Soucie (South Ryegate, Vt.) finished with nine points.

For the next contest, Norwich will host the Mustangs of Mount Ida College in a GNAC showdown on Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 7:00 p.m.

MAJOR PORTIONS COURTESY OF RIVIER SPORTS INFORMATION