NORTHFIELD, Vt. – The Norwich University men's basketball team put together a strong offensive performance in its home opener Saturday afternoon, holding off Me.-Augusta for an 86-81 victory at Andrews Hall. The Cadets improved to 2-1 on the season, using a productive first half and timely baskets down the stretch to secure the win.
Norwich established control early, scoring the game's first six points behind baskets from Iheririan Harrison (Houston, Texas), Jordan Ricketts (Stratford, Conn.) and Tyrell Green (North Providence, R.I.). Me.-Augusta answered with a three-pointer, but the Cadets continued to find success offensively, building a 13-5 advantage after a Green triple with 16:01 remaining in the opening half.
The visitors worked to stay within striking distance, but Norwich consistently answered. Riley Severy (Barre, Vt.) provided a strong presence inside, while Ricketts connected from beyond the arc to push the lead to 18-12. A layup from Braden Camire (Saco, Maine) extended the advantage, and Norwich continued to generate offense from multiple areas of the floor.
After Me.-Augusta trimmed the deficit, the Cadets responded with a run fueled by their perimeter shooting. Daniel Bogre (Colchester, Vt.) knocked down a three-pointer, and Camire followed with back-to-back triples to help Norwich maintain its cushion. Severy added a three of his own, while Sharif Sharif (Burlington, Vt.) contributed at the free-throw line and with a late jumper. Norwich carried a 47-32 lead into halftime after shooting 18-for-31 from the field and 8-for-14 from three-point range in the opening 20 minutes.
Me.-Augusta came out of the break looking to make a push, scoring the first two points of the second half before continuing to chip away at the Norwich advantage. The Cadets answered with Harrison at the rim and Severy inside, but the visitors found a rhythm offensively and gradually brought the margin down.
Norwich received an important response from Sharif, who connected from beyond the arc, and Severy, who followed with a layup and another three-pointer to keep the Cadets in front. Ricketts added a basket inside as Norwich worked to withstand the visitors' pressure.
Me.-Augusta continued its push, cutting the deficit to single digits midway through the second half. The Cadets responded with another timely three from Sharif, while Ricketts and Severy helped keep the offense moving. As the visitors continued to apply pressure, Norwich made its free throws in the closing minutes to protect the lead.
Severy converted a pair at the line before Ricketts finished a layup and completed the three-point play to put Norwich in a strong position. Green and Camire added late free throws, and Ricketts remained composed at the stripe as the Cadets closed out the 86-81 victory.
Ricketts led all scorers with 21 points, adding seven assists and six rebounds while shooting 7-for-15 from the field. Severy finished with 19 points and nine rebounds, connecting on seven of his 10 field-goal attempts. Sharif added 14 points on 5-for-7 shooting, including a pair of three-pointers, while Green chipped in 11 points and two assists. Camire finished with nine points, six rebounds and two assists, and Bogre contributed six points.
Norwich shot 49.2 percent from the field and 44.4 percent from beyond the arc, knocking down 12 three-pointers as a team. The Cadets also recorded 18 assists on 30 made field goals and finished with a 37-34 advantage on the glass.
The Cadets return to action looking to build on their home-opening victory as the Cadet Classic continues tomorrow at 2 p.m. against Thomas College.
