BOSTON, Mass. - The Norwich University men's basketball team nearly completed a double-digit rally in their season opener, falling just short in a 60-59 loss at Wentworth Institute of Technology on Wednesday night in non-conference play.
It took the Cadets a few minutes to find their offensive rhythm, trailing 4-0 before
Joe Joe DuBrul (Shelburne, Vt.) drilled the first three-pointer of the season three and a half minutes into the contest. Norwich kept the momentum rolling on an and-one from
Charles Nogard (Oviedo, Fla.) just 19 seconds later to claim its first lead of the night.
Both teams exchanged baskets for the ensuing 13 minutes before the Leopards' offense spurred to life, as Wentworth erased a one-point Norwich lead on a 15-3 run to capture an 11-point lead, eventually taking a 10-point edge into the break.
Wentworth succeeded at keeping Norwich at bay to open the second stanza, but the Cadets finally began to strike late, as a
Rodrick Pearson (Hartford, Conn.) dunk brought Norwich to within four. Free-throws from
Jalen Olivero (Holyoke, Mass.) and clutch baskets from Nogard kept Norwich close, despite Wentworth's attempts of pulling away.
A costly turnover by the Leopards' Jack Connell gave
Kohlby Murray (Fair Haven, Vt.) clearance through the lane for a wide-open layup to bring Wentworth's lead down to one with 18 seconds left.
Norwich could not capitalize on free-throw shooting woes by Wentworth down the stretch, however, as the Leopards recovered from a few more turnovers in the waning seconds to secure victory.
Nogard was impressive in his collegiate debut, finishing with a team-best 16 points on 7-9 shooting. Olivero added 10 points off the bench, while Murray flirted with a double-double on eight points and eight caroms.
The Cadets will travel east for their next two games, as they travel to Thomas College for the Charlie Ryan Tournament this weekend. Norwich will first take on the host Terriers at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11, before battling the University of Maine-Farmington on Sunday, Nov. 12, at 4:00 p.m. in Waterville, Maine.
