Men's Hoops Lose to Mitchell in a Tough Conference Matchup

NEW LONDON, Conn. - The Elms College Men's Basketball team traveled to Mitchell College for a conference game on Saturday afternoon.

BASICS
Score: Elms College 46 | Mitchell College 65
Records: Blazers 7-9, 1-2 (GNAC) | Mariners 5-10, 1-2 (GNAC)

HOW IT HAPPENED

Elms opened the game with strong defensive energy, forcing early misses before first year forward Jaedon Bogar (Aubrey, Texas) scored the first basket of the game on a layup. After Mitchell responded, the Blazers regained the lead when senior forward/guard RJ Mayfield (Springfield, Mass.) knocked down a jumper and sophomore guard Jack Lo (Harahan, La.) followed with a jump shot. Elms continued to create opportunities by forcing turnovers and crashing the offensive glass, generating multiple second-chance looks through Bogar, Mayfield, and junior guard Andrew Ciaglo (Hadley, Mass.). Despite a scoring drought midway through the half, the Blazers would stay competitive with hustle plays on both ends. Junior guard DJ Watkins (Union, N.J.) provided a spark off the bench, finishing at the rim and later knocking down a three-pointer to pull Elms within two late in the half. Lo also contributed key buckets during a late run, while the Blazers' defensive effort forced several stops and turnovers in the final minutes. Elms entered the locker room down 24–17 at halftime, showing resilience and energy that kept the game within reach. 

The Blazers would come out of halftime break with a renewed energy, opening the second half on a 7–0 run to immediately cut into the deficit. Mayfield set the tone by scoring five quick points, including a layup, a free throw, and a jumper, while Watkins found him for an assist to bring Elms within two. Ciaglo tied the game at 24–24 with a strong finish at the rim, and moments later Bogar converted a layup to keep Elms even as the teams traded baskets early. The Blazers continued to battle through the middle stretch of the half, showing persistence on the glass and attacking inside. Bogar and Lo connected for a go-ahead basket, and Elms stayed within striking distance behind interior scoring and active defense. Senior center/guard/forward Edgardo Jacob Cancel (Northampton, Mass.) provided a lift off the bench with a layup off an Ciaglo assist, while first year guard Jamie Lawson (Charlotte, N.C.) added a free throw after an offensive rebound. Elms also generated points through hustle plays, with Mayfield scoring off second-chance opportunities and senior forward Adam Sarlan (Chicopee, Mass.) contributing on the boards. Late in the half, Elms continued to fight despite the widening gap. Ciaglo knocked down a key three-pointer off a Cancel assist, and Mayfield remained aggressive, finishing another basket in traffic. Sophomore forward/guard Daniel Villanueva (Seymour, Conn.) added a three and a layup in the final minutes to close the game, while the Blazers forced turnovers and pushed the pace until the final horn. Elms showed resilience throughout the second half, consistently responding with effort, ball movement, and toughness on the boards, however the Mariners would take the victory at home, 65-46.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Mayfield - 13 points, ten rebounds, two steals, a block, and an assist.

• Ciaglo - seven points, four rebounds, two steals, and an assist.

• Bogar - six points, six rebounds, two steals, and an assist.

• Watkins - six points, five rebounds, and two assists.

• Lo - six points, three rebounds, a steal, and an assist.

• Villanueva - five points.

• Cancel - four rebounds, two points, a steal, and an assist.

• Sarlan - four rebounds, a steal, and an assist.

• Lawson - a point and a rebound.

• Jordan - a rebound and an assist.

UP NEXT: The Elms College Men's Basketball team will travel to New Haven, Conn. for a conference game against Albertus Magnus College on Tuesday, January 20th at 7:30 pm.

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