Box Score West Chester, Pa. – (12/30/2014) – Freshman forward Edward McWade (Wildwood, N.J.)  and senior center Seamus Radtke (Philadelphia, Pa.) took turn bringing Chestnut Hill College back from a 21-point deficit, 55-34 (17:28), but in the end West Chester University proved as victor in a 84-81 final on a series of clutch drives from freshman guard Raheem Hall (Ardmore, Pa.). Radtke led the Griffins, 21 points and 8 rebounds, with plenty of help from McWade's eight points and nine rebounds.

Comfortable on a familiar floor, West Chester University (5-7) gradually grew a 45-32 halftime advantage that advanced to a 21-point edge, 55-34, early in the second half. It had been the outside shooting of sophomore guard Billy Cassidy (Primos, Pa.), 2-of-3 (66.7%) and senior guard Christian Walck (Lancaster, Pa.) that kept Chestnut Hill College (2-6) on the Golden Rams heels at the start. The difference came midway through the opening frame, when Hall teamed with junior forward Matt Wiseley (Emmaus, Pa.) and freshman guard Tyrell Long (Philadelphia, Pa.) to ignite the Golden Rams on 28-14 run that separated the opponents for intermission. 

After the break, it was Hall and Long's elder backcourt partner, Cory Blake (West Chester, Pa.) who took the lead for the Golden Rams with his three-point play and succeeding layup pushing the margin to 18 points, 52-34, just 2:22 into the second half. West Chester University maxed their advantage at 21 points, 55-34, just ten seconds later (17:28) when junior guard Avery Brown (Mt. Laurel, N.J.) converted a three-point play on the backend of a Griffin timeout. Radtke and Walck mustered the Griffin resistance that picked away at the Golden Ram cushion until it dwindled at five points, 71-66, with 7:42 left to play in regulation. Radtke had 11 of his 21 points and McWade, all of his eight points in a ten minute reversal that gave the Griffins a fighting chance. Walck and junior gurad Luke Dickson (Pitman, N.J.) pushed Chestnut Hill College over the top, with the later sinking a long range launch to land the Griffins a momentary edge at 79-78 (1:10). Unfortunately, the home team remained ahead until the final horn on the clutch free throws of Blake and Hall.

Blake's efficient performance (8-of-9 FG, 3-of-3 FT), led the Golden Rams with 19 points. He also totaled four rebounds, an assist, and a steal. Brown advances were not less effective (6-of-20 FG) but resulted in 18 points that were accompanied by four rebounds, an assist, a block, and three steals. Wiseley offered nine points, 13 rebounds, an assist, a block, and a steal from the West Chester University interior.

Radtke scored seven field goals (7-of-13, 53.8%) and seven free throws (7-of-7, 100.0%) in his season-high scoring effort. He added eight rebounds, an assist, and two blocks as well. Dickson and Walck each contributed 15 points while Cassidy chimed in with 14 points in compliment to Radtke and McWade inside play.

The men's basketball team returns to action in the New Year, on Saturday, January 3, when they travel to Caldwell University for a 3:00 p.m. Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) contest.