Gordon Edges Endicott, 85-77 (OT)

BEVERLY, Mass. – The Endicott men's basketball team fell to Gordon College, 85-77, in overtime on Wednesday night in a conference matchup at MacDonald Gymnasium. 

Trailing 69-53 with 5:57 to play in the contest, Gordon used a 19-3 run to force overtime against the Gulls. Eric Demers (Acushnet, Mass.) led the charge with eight points, while Garrisson Duvivier (Brockton, Mass.) poured in seven points. Meanwhile, Josh Ribeiro (Attleboro, Mass.) hit the all-important game-tying shot with 15-seconds to play on a jumper from the free throw line after Demers fed him a pass while driving baseline into traffic. 

In overtime, the Fighting Scots jumped out to a 79-72 advantage (1:39) – highlighted by five points from Duvivier and a layup by Ribeiro – and then held on for the victory as Endicott only came within four points down the stretch (79-75 w/ 1:26 remaining | 81-77 w/ 47-seconds remaining). 

Nick Thibeault (Gorham, Maine) and Keith Brown (Pelham, N.H.) tied for the Endicott team-high in points with 19 each. Thibeault also hauled in seven rebounds, while Brown grabbed six boards, dished out two assists, and had one steal. 

Vinny Clifford (Danvers, Mass.) chipped in with 14 points (5-of8 FG, 4-of-6 3PT), seven rebounds, three assists, and two swipes. 

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

• Gordon has beaten Endicott twice in overtime this season (105-98 at Gordon on 1/11/18 | 85-77 at Endicott on 2/7/18).
• Endicott is 23-19 in the all-time series versus Gordon.
• Joel Villa (Bronx, N.Y.) added nine points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals for Endicott in the loss.
• Tonight's setback ended the Gulls' three-game winning streak. 

FOR THE FOES

• Duvivier finished with 31 points, 17 points, and six blocks (all game-highs).
• Demers had 25 points on 9-of-25 shooting from the field (3-for-12 3PT, 4-4 FT).
• Jaren Yang (San Francisco, Calif.) – who canned two free throws during Gordon's 19-3 run in the second half – compiled 10 points, seven rebounds, and a game-high six assists.
• The Fighting Scots have won their last three contests and are 7-5 on the road this season. 

WHAT'S NEXT 

Endicott (15-7, 10-5 CCC) hosts Wentworth this Saturday at 3 PM on Senior Day. Prior to the game, senior guard Joel Villa (Bronx, N.Y.) will be honored for his contributions towards the men's basketball program and the Endicott community. Gordon (15-7, 11-4 CCC) travels to Eastern Nazarene this Saturday for a 3 PM contest. 

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(Photo Credit - Nick Grace)