Lehigh University
Wagner
Mountain Hawks earn second straight win on the road
1/2/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
“I thought we had a great team effort, with several key contributions off the bench,” said Lehigh head coach Billy Taylor following the win. “Their strong play allowed us to rest our starters and finish the game strong. I thought our execution in the final ten minutes was sharp, and we got good shots on the offensive end.”
The Mountain Hawks came out strong in the first half, and built a six-point cushion at the intermission. During the first 20 minutes, Lehigh scored 16 of its points in the paint. The Mountain Hawks’ defense held the Seahawks to just 5-of-23 shooting – a paltry 22%. The Seahawks were able to hang around, however, thanks to strong shooting from the free throw line. Wagner was 10-of-11 from the stripe in the first half.
Senior captain Nick Monserez and sophomore Jose Olivero each scored six to pace the Brown and White’s first half effort. Monserez added three steals, and Earl Nurse pulled down five boards during the first half for Lehigh.
In the second stanza, Lehigh shot even better from the floor. The Mountain Hawks got a number of looks inside, leading to several easy scores. Lehigh shot 52% from the floor in the second half, as the Brown and White extended its lead to double digits.
For the game, Lehigh shot 46%, while holding the Seahawks to just 25% (12-of-48) shooting on the day. Jason Mgebroff led Lehigh’s efforts with 13 points, while Knight added ten. Playing in his first game in six weeks due to injury, senior captain Dayne Mickelson added six points off the bench.
Wagner was led in the scoring column by Mark Porter, who scored 15 points in a losing effort. Sean Munson pulled down 12 rebounds for the Seahawks.
The victory gives Lehigh back-to-back road victories for the first time since consecutive triumphs at Navy and Bucknell in January, 2003.
The Mountain Hawks return to Stabler Arena to wrap up their non-league schedule on Tuesday, as Lehigh plays host to Cornell. Tip-off is set for 7:00, and tickets to the game can be purchased through the Lehigh ticket office at (610) 7LU-GAME or on-line at lehighsports.com. Matt Kerr and Greg Falkenbach will provide radio commentary beginning with the pregame show at 6:30 on ESPN Radio 1230 and 1320.
