Gustafson Sets Scoring Record, Garnet Fall
Matt Gustafson '05 recorded 24 points to become Swarthmore's (2-13, 1-7 CC) all-time leading scorer in the Garnet's 63-56 Centennial Conference loss at Muhlenberg (8-7, 5-3). Gustafson now has 1,573 points passing Scott Gibbons' '92 mark of 1,563.
Gustafson started the game with a hot hand scoring 16 of the Garnet's first 24 points. It was that 16th point, a jumper with 5:48 remaining in the first half, that gave him the record and it provided Swarthmore with it's largest lead of the game at 24-16.
Gustafson added three more points in the half and the Garnet took a 33-27 lead into the locker room.
Muhlenberg opened the second half with a 10-1 run to grab a 37-34 lead, but 3-pointers by Gustafson and Chris Casey '07 gave the Garnet a 40-37 advantage with 15:41 remaining. Two Gustafson free throws built the lead to five.
The Mules countered as a Chase Licata layup and a Ryan Bonda three tied the game. A Dillon McGrew three gave the Garnet its final lead at 45-42 before the Mules used a 13-2 run to open a 55-47 advantage with 8:31 remaining.
Swarthmore closed to three at 59-56 as Chris Nana-Sinkam '08 scored on consecutive possessions hitting a three and a floater in lane with 1:51 remaining for the Garnet's final points.
A Bonda layup with 22.1 and two Licata free throws with 11.4 on the clock sealed the game for the Mules.
Gustafson added 10 rebounds to record his fourth double-double of the season and Ian McCormick '08 and Casey posted seven points each. Casey also pulled down a career-best seven boards.
Licata led the Mules with 22 points and Bonda added 12.
The Garnet host Ursinus on Saturday in a 1 p.m. contest.