SCRANTON, Pa. – The University of Scranton men's basketball team fought hard with unbeaten Drew University on Wednesday night at the John Long Center, but ultimately came up just short in a 79-76 overtime thriller to open Landmark Conference play.
The Basics
- Final Score: Drew 79, Scranton 76 (OT)
- Records: Scranton (3–1, 0–1 Landmark), Drew (4–0, 1–0 Landmark)
How It Happened
- Scranton opened the game with strong interior play from Sammy Tornabene, Brendan Carr, and Ben Robinson, building an early six-point lead.
- The first half featured 13 lead changes, with both teams answering momentum swings and trading baskets throughout the period.
- A late three from Jon Spatola briefly put the Royals in front, but Drew converted at the line to take a 38–37 lead into halftime.
- The second half remained tight from start to finish. Tornabene attacked the rim consistently, while strong rebounding from Spatola and Robinson helped Scranton stay level through multiple scoring spurts by the Rangers.
- A pair of driving layups from Will Marion and a three from Robinson pushed Scranton in front midway through the period, and Carr's free throws with 1:16 remaining tied the game at 73–73.
- Both teams had chances to win it in regulation, but defensive stops on each end sent the contest to overtime.
- In the extra period, points were hard to come by. Tornabene scored early to give the Royals a one-point lead, but Drew responded with timely free throws and a late defensive stand to edge out the final margin.
Inside the Box Score
- Points in the Paint: Scranton 30, Drew 34
- Points off Turnovers: Scranton 14, Drew 18
- Lead Changes: 23
Top Performers
Up Next
- Scranton returns to Landmark Conference play on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 2:00 p.m., hosting Goucher College at the John Long Center.
