Second-Half Surge Gives Muhlenberg 66-53 Comeback Win Over Garnet
SWARTHMORE, Pa. - Seniors Danny Walker and Matt Allen each scored 10 points as the Swarthmore College men's basketball team built a 32-27 halftime lead, only to see visiting Muhlenberg storm back in the second half, shooting a sizzling 60% from the field in the second frame to rally for the 66-53 victory over the Garnet on Wednesday evening from Tarble Pavilion.
Senior captain Allen led the Garnet upset bid with 10 points.
Brian Frankoski led the way for the Mules with 13 points while Peter Barnes and Spencer Liddic each recorded double-doubles - with Barnes finishing with 11 points and 11 rebounds and Liddic getting 10 points and 10 rebounds.
The Mules (2-3, 1-0) outscored the Garnet 39-21 in the second half for the comeback win - shooting 60% from the field while holding Swat to just seven field goals for the entire half.
The Garnet (0-5, 0-1) looked primed to pull off the upset against a Muhlenberg team picked to finish second in the Centennial Conference preseason poll. Swarthmore controlled the tempo from the opening whistle thanks to slow-down offensive scheme that milked every last of the shot clock, as well as trapping zone defense that forced the Mules into 15 first-half turnovers. Partnered with five three-pointers, excellent shot selection and eight points from Walker, the Garnet held a 32-27 advantage heading into the break - its first halftime lead of the season.
But the Garnet opened up the second half cold - missing its first nine shots and not hitting a field goal until the 13:29 mark - allowing the Mules to start the half on a 13-1 run and regain the momentum of the game.
Still, Swarthmore remained close - thanks in part to the patient offense - and had a chance to get to get back in the game late. A three-pointer by Allen on the right wing cut the lead to 55-47 with 3:59 and got the crowd at Tarble Pavilion back into the contest. But on the ensuing possession, Barnes scored on a tip-in while being fouled, bringing the Mules' lead back to double-digits and squashing any thoughts of a Garnet comeback.
The much larger Mules finished with a commanding 38-18 rebounding edge, while the Garnet won the turnover battle 21-10.
Junior Sam Lacy finished with seven points and a game-high five steals for the Garnet. Freshman Will Gates had seven points and three steals, while fellow freshman Jordan Martinez finished with six points, three steals and a game-high three assists.
Swarthmore returns to action on Saturday when it hosts Ursinus in a men's/women's doubleheader from Tarble Pavilion. The men's game will begin at approximately 3:00 p.m.