Men's Basketball February 3, 2007

Eagles Ride Coleman's Career High to Win

Eastern University Men's Basketball put three players in double figures and shot 51% from the field for their third consecutive victory.

Senior guard Lenny DiMaria, who hit for 18 points on the day, got the Eagles going early as he scored six points in an opening 10-5 run. The Patriots cut the deficit to 10-9 on a pair of free throws from James Fulton and an inside basket from Keith Watkins. Coleman then answered with his first three pointer of the day and an inside basket off a pass from Jason Reels. Coleman, who hit five three pointers in six attempts for the day, led all scorers at the break with nine. The Eagles also got solid interior defending from Mike Johnson who blocked seven first half shots and pulled down six boards. Matt Flanagan hit three free throws to end the half and give the Eagles a 38-28 cushion at the break.

The second half saw the Eagles move forward in fits and starts, but never seem to find a rhythm. It did seem,however, the Coleman was there to answer every time the Patriots cut into the lead. Coleman said of his effort, "They just gave me open shots and I took them. It was as simple as that I guess. I was accurate today, thank goodness"

The Eagles twice led by 17, but could never gain further separation as the Patriots were able to take advantage of their offensive rebounding to score 12 second chance points in the second. Watkins and Justyn Mitchell led the Patriots with ten point efforts for the day.

Eastern was able to force 12 second half turnovers and converted for 16 points off those to make a difference in the game. David Volpe joined Coleman and DiMaria in double figures with ten and added a game high seven assists. Johnson finished the day with nine points, eight boards, eight blocks, four assists and three steals.

Eastern Coach Matt Nadelhoffer said of the game, "They (Valley Forge) played hard, and have some very talented players, I thought we played with really good intensity in spurts, and then we let up and let them back in a little. We need to build on those moments of good intensity as we go into the rest of the year."

Eastern returns to action Monday evening with another home non-conference game against Rutgers-Camden before traveling across the street for a Thursday night league battle at Cabrini.

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Players Mentioned

#3 Jason Reels: G; First Year

#10 David Volpe: G; Junior

#11 Matt Flanagan: G; Junior

#23 Lenny DiMaria: G; Senior

#33 Mike Johnson: F; Junior

Players Mentioned

#3 Jason Reels
: First Year
: G

#10 David Volpe
: Junior
: G

#11 Matt Flanagan
: Junior
: G

#23 Lenny DiMaria
: Senior
: G

#33 Mike Johnson
: Junior
: F