FREDERICK, Md. - After a closely contested first half, the Hood College men's basketball team managed to pull ahead of the Wilson College Phoenix in the second half, coming away with a 78-61 victory and being crowned the champion of the MMI Tipoff Tournament.
Inside the Box Score
Garrison Linton (New Market, Md./Oakdale) led Hood with five assists and shot 4-8 from the field for eight points.
Jack Fricka (Alexandria, Va./West Potomac) and Garrett Cox (Glen Allen, VA/Glen Allen) both finished with team-high eight rebounds.
Soren Almquist (Oakton, Va./James Madison) had 11 points off the bench shooting 60 percent from the field.
How it Happened
Strickland got the scoring going with a three-point layup play, converting the free throw after a Wilson foul. He would score again with a layup and, following a foul on him after a steal, convert both free throws to make it a 16-12 game.
The Phoenix would take their first lead of the game a few minutes later, as a three-pointer from Ethan Wilson put Hood in a 22-19 deficit with just over seven minutes in the half.
Strickland would show up once more before halftime, following a successful layup with a shot from beyond the arc to help give the Blazers a 36-33 edge at halftime.
Hood took full control coming out of the second half, going on an 18-0 run for the first eight minutes before a mid-range jumper from Darryl Garib got Wilson their first points of the period.
The Blazers never stepped off the gas, taking multiple 20-point leads until the final buzzer sounded.
For the Opponent
Gibson led the Phoenix with 27 points, shooting 11-24 from the field.
Ethan Wilson finished the game with 17 points and six rebounds.
Analysis
Hood outrebounded Wilson 37-24.
The Blazers had 28 points off the bench, compared to the Phoenix's four.
Hood converted turnovers into 29 points.
Notes
The Blazers win the MMI Tipoff Tournament and start the season off 2-0, while Wilson falls to 1-1.
Delaware Valley won the consolation game against Lehman by a score of 80-77
Justin Gielen (Edgewater, Md./DeMatha) was named the tournament MVP.
Up Next
The Blazers finish their homestand against Mary Washington Wednesday, November 15 at 7 p.m.
