Marist loses heartbreaker in overtime

After dropping a heartbreaker in overtime, the Marist Red Foxes will now have six days to ponder what might have been.
Marist held several leads late in regulation, but Delaware forced the game into overtime with a late lay-up and ultimately prevailed, 88-83.
Delaware erupted for 61 points in the game’s final 25 minutes. Jawan Carter had a game-high 30 points while Alphonso Dawson and Marc Egerson scored 25 and 23 points, respectively.
Despite the dominant performances from Delaware’s trio, Marist had a chance to escape the RAC with a win. Marist maintained a 72-70 lead with 38 seconds remaining in the game. Jawan Carter subsequently forced Ryan Schneider into a turnover and fed a streaking Alphonso Dawson for a lay-up. Marist never led in the overtime.
The Red Foxes led by as many as 11 in the first half. Every time Marist made a run, Delaware responded.
Despite the loss, Marist head coach Chuck Martin lauded the effort of his players after playing their second game in two days, especially the guards.
“It was a good effort by the kids tonight,” Martin said. “[Devezin and Hall] did a great job. R.J. Hall is learning every day and he’s getting better. We’re really excited to have him and we think he has a bright future at Marist.”
The Marist offense continued to make strides. Four players scored in double figures, including sophomore forward Korey Bauer. Bauer scored a career-high 13 points on 5-for-8 shooting. Bauer also hauled in seven rebounds.
After struggling to score in the first two games, the Red Foxes averaged 77.5 points in the last two games.
Korey Bauer believes all the guys are starting to gel on offense.
“I think everything’s coming more smoothly now and guys are getting more comfortable [in the offense],” Bauer said.
Marist led by six points at halftime but Delaware opened the second half with a 13-3 run. R.J. Hall’s three-pointer with 15:40 remaining halted the Delaware run.
The teams remained close for most of the half, but Marist almost pulled away with seven minutes remaining in regulation. Javon Parris hit the first of his two three-pointers with 6:40 remaining. His final three came with 2:31 remaining to give Marist a 72-70 lead.
If Parris can get going offensively, the Marist offense will have another weapon going down the stretch.
“He’s done some great things defensively,” Martin said. “He hasn’t knocked down shots until this point, but we’re excited that he’s been able to hit shots.”
The loss drops Marist to 1-3. The Red Foxes’ lone win in the Garden State Classic came on Nov. 22 against Robert Morris. Saint Bonaventure and Rutgers both finished with a 3-1 record in the tournament, but Saint Bonaventure’s win over Rutgers earlier in the day gave the Bonnies the advantage over the Scarlet Knights.
Marist returns to action next Saturday, Nov. 29, against New Hampshire. New Hampshire sits at 1-2 and has lost its last two games. New Hampshire’s most recent loss came to Penn State, 70-50.
Marist will not open up conference play until Dec. 5 when the team takes on Iona.
Korey Bauer feels the tough early season schedule will prepare the team for the MAAC games.
“I think we’ll be alright in MAAC play,” Bauer said confidently. “We’re obviously young and stuff like that, I mean obviously I’m young too, but we’re coming together pretty well.”