Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Men’s basketball defeats Coast Guard on senior day

Seniors+Mac+Sashin+%28in+white%2C+third+from+left%29+and+Geoff+Gray+%28in+black%2C+third+from+right%29+combined+for+a+total+of+26+points+against+Coast+Guard.+Photo+by+Alexa+Schapiro+%2F+Beacon+Correspondent+
Seniors Mac Sashin (in white, third from left) and Geoff Gray (in black, third from right) combined for a total of 26 points against Coast Guard. Photo by Alexa Schapiro / Beacon Correspondent

The men’s basketball team defeated the United States Coast Guard Academy to advance into the conference playoffs on the Lions’ senior day. 

Prior to tipoff, the Lions honored seniors Geoff Gray, Mac Sashin, and team manager Marisa DeFranco with their families in front of a gymnasium packed with people. Gray, Sashin, and DeFranco had their career statistics and accomplishments announced while they stood with their families next to head coach Bill Curley for a photograph.

The Lions held onto the lead for the entirety of the game in their lopsided victory over Coast Guard. Emerson opened the game with a three-point field goal from junior guard Jack O’Connor. Midway through the first half, the Lions went on a 7-0 run, withGray scoring all seven of the points in the streak. At halftime, O’Connor totaled 16 points and Gray 11, with a combined total of nine rebounds and 30 minutes played. 

Freshman guard Zach Waterhouse opened the second half with a three-point jump shot, which gave the Lions a 26-point lead over Coast Guard.

With six minutes left, the Lions lost their largest lead of the game and went four and a half minutes without scoring a single basket, allowing Coast Guard to make a 12-point comebackto make it a 15-point game.

Gray and Sashin closed out their final regular season home game with a combined seven free throws made and a 97-83 victory over Coast Guard. 

In a post-game interview, Curley said the team’s success in this game came from both the hard work and dedication they showed from the beginning of the school year and the leadership from Gray. 

“You can look at this one game, but it’s really how they came in from the summer and approached the pre-season,” Curley said. “It came from Geoff [Gray] getting our freshmen and pushing our upperclassmen. Those guys have been working hard since September, finding ways to get in the gym, shooting, doing stuff on their own, and when they started practice it didn’t stop.”

Gray declined a post-game interview.

The Lions finished their regular season 9-5 in the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference and 14-11 overall. Emerson will advance to the NEWMAC playoff semi-finals to face off against Springfield College at home on Thursday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m.

Leave a Comment
About the Contributor
Aaron J. Miller, Print Editor
Aaron J. Miller is a senior journalism major from Glen Lyon, Pennsylvania. He is The Beacon's Print Editor and designs and cordinates the newspaper's weekly print edition. He previously interned for The Citizens' Voice in summer 2019. He previously held the roles of Sports Editor, Deputy Sports Editor, Senior Staff Writer, and Sports Correspondent. Email: [email protected]

Comments (0)

The Berkeley Beacon intends for this area to be used to foster healthy, thought-provoking discussion. We welcome strong opinions and criticism that are respectful and constructive. Comments are only posted once approved by a moderator and you have verified your email. All users are expected to adhere to our comment section policy. READ THE FULL POLICY HERE: https://berkeleybeacon.com/comments/
All Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *