Box Score Philadelphia, Pa. – (1/12/2013) – Chestnut Hill College appeared to be defeated early in this afternoon's local Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) contest as they trailed Philadelphia University by 17 points, 57-40, midway through the second half. Getting contributions from all participants, the Griffins looked to freshman guard Christian Walck (Lancaster, Pa.) to direct a furious comeback, but the effort left the Griffins four points shy of the visitors, 67-63. Senior guard Mark DiRugeris Jr. (Woodbury, N.J) scored a game-high 21 points while 17 points from senior guard Jim Connolly (Harleysville, Pa.) and a pair of double-double headlined the Rams side of the box score.
 
Chestnut Hill College (7-8, 3-3) held Philadelphia University (9-6, 5-2) in check early and led the CACC South Division leaders by one point, 11-10, with 14:31 remaining in the first half. It was the effort of sophomore guard Nick Schlitzer (Pottsville, Pa.) and freshman forward Peter Alexis (Wilkes-Barre, Pa.) that got the Rams rolling and changed the complexion of the affair. Over the next ten minutes (5:20) the Ram lead climbed to 15 points, 29-14, but with a steal and seven consecutive points from junior guard Jakeem Bogans (Philadelphia, Pa.) the Griffins were back within eight points, 31-23, with 3:40 left in the half. Unfortunately, Bogans' rallying effort was quickly negated with an equally momentous Ram surge, spirited by freshman guard Andre Gibbs (Smyrna, Del.). The 8-2 run left the halftime spread at 14 points, 39-25. With 10:43 to play in the second half the Ram lead maxed at 17 points, 57-40, on a Connolly jumper. That is when Walck woke Sorgenti Arena crowd, contributing all nine of his points and directing a 15-2 run that left the Griffins behind four points, 59-55, with 4:12 to play. DiRugeris and sophomore forward Alssene Saintilus (Irvington, N.J.) looked to complete the Griffin comeback, but the effort was matched by Alexis and Gibbs, who preserved the Rams advantage for a 67-63 victory.
 
All the Rams starters scored in double figures to help Head Coach Herb Magee earn win his 950th win. Alexis and junior guard Nick Christian (Bensalem, Pa.) each provided double-double performances, while Gibbs and Schlitzer registered 14 points and 13 points, respectively. Alexis earned his double-double in the paint with 11 points, 12 rebounds, an assist, and three blocks. Christian hustled to 11 rebounds in addition to his ten points, two assists, and three steals.
 
DiRugeris has scored at least 20 points in six of the Griffins last seven contests, but tonight's effort was not enough to keep the Griffins perfect in the New Year. He got support from Walck's and Bogans' rallying efforts; Walck finished with a season-high nine points, three rebounds, four assists, and two steals, while Bogans contributed seven points, two rebounds, two assists, and a steal. Freshman forward Noel Hightower (Easton, Pa.) anchored the Griffins defensive effort with six rebounds, two blocks, and two steals.
 
The men's basketball team will continue their CACC schedule on Tuesday, January 15, when they travel to Goldey-Beacom College for an 8:00 p.m. contest.