Lehigh University
Colgate
Lehigh falls to Colgate in Hamilton
2/27/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Hamilton, NY – Cold shooting plagued the first place Mountain Hawks and Lehigh was never able to get into any sort of offensive rhythm as Colgate outlasted Lehigh 54-48 at Cotterell Court on Friday night. The loss drops Lehigh to 17-9 overall and 10-3 in the Patriot League, while the victory improves the Raiders to 13-13 on the season (5-8 in league play).
Despite the setback, Lehigh still clinches a share of it first-ever Patriot League Title by virtue of Bucknell's 72-61 loss at Holy Cross. The Mountain Hawks can claim the title outright and the number one seed in the upcoming Patriot League Tournament with a win at Holy Cross on Sunday afternoon. In the first half, Austen Rowland’s quick three pointer gave Lehigh an early 3-0 lead, but it wouldn’t last long. Colgate’s Howard Blue and Mark Linebaugh scored ten points apiece in the opening stanza to give the Raiders a 36-28 halftime lead. Cold shooting plagued both teams in the second half, and Lehigh took advantage early. The Mountain Hawks opened the half on an 11-0 run to regain the lead. In fact, the Lehigh D held the Raiders without a field goal for the first 9:23 of the second half. However, the Mountain Hawks struggled to find the basket as well. Lehigh shot just 23% from the floor (6-of-26) in the second half, and Colgate hung on for the victory. Austen Rowland led all scorers with 19 points on the night, as he drained four three-point baskets. Jason Mgebroff scored 12 for the Mountain Hawks, who shot 32% for the game. Andrew Zidar led the Raiders with 13 points. Mark Linebaugh added ten, and, despite the strong start, Howard Blue added 11. Lehigh looks to clinch the Patriot League title outright as the Mountain Hawks wrap up the regular season on Sunday afternoon at Holy Cross. Tip-off is set for 3:15 from the Hart Recreation Center in Worcester.
