PITTSFORD, N.Y.—Hobart College senior
Colin Dougherty matched his career-high with 32 points, but a hot-shooting second half lifted St. John Fisher College to a 91-81 win in Manning and Napier Gym.
Dougherty was 9-of-17 from the floor with a pair of 3-pointers and converted 12-of-17 at the free throw line. He also posted three rebounds, a team-high three assists and a pair of steals. Junior
Edens Fleurizard narrowly missed a double-double, logging 11 points and a game-high nine boards. He was also credited with a game-high three steals.
Four Cardinals reached double digits led by Matt Asenjo's 23 points. James Leone and Sammy Robinson shared team-high honors with eight rebounds apiece.
The first half was a back-and-forth affair with neither team able to gain much of an advantage. Dougherty staked Hobart to the largest lead of the opening 20 minutes for either team with a 3-pointer that made it a 35-30 game. St. John Fisher scored four of the final five points of the opening half to trim the Statesmen advantage to just two, 36-34.
Fleurizard canned the opening bucket of the second half to give the Statesmen (1-3) a two-possession lead, but Fisher (3-1) came roaring back with six straight points to take a two-point lead less than three minutes in. With a layup, Fleurizard tied the contest at 40 , but the Cardinals responded with a 12-3 run that Asenjo capped with a 3-pointer and layup for a nine-point lead.
Twice down the stretch, Hobart was able to get within three, but each time St. John Fisher answered with a bucket at the other end of the floor to ensure the Statesmen didn't get a look at the basket with a chance to tie or take the lead. With steady free throw shooting in the waning minutes, the Cardinals were able to extend their lead to as many 14.
Fisher shot 54.4 percent from the floor for the game, including 64 percent in the second half.
Hobart will begin Liberty League play in its home opener on Friday, Nov. 30, when the Statesmen welcome Union to Bristol Gym. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
