Philadelphia, Pa. - (1/19/2020) – Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) play continued this afternoon for Chestnut Hill College, who welcomed Caldwell University to Sorgenti Arena for a divisional cross over. The Griffins led for most of the opening half, but after a series of Scarlet and Gold turnovers allowed the Cougars to snare a 43-40 at halftime edge. Chestnut Hill College remained within three points, 69-66, of Caldwell University with 6:13 remaining in the contest. But a couple of untimely misses let the Cougars loose as the visitors closed the affair on a 22-5 run; 90-71. Freshman guard Scottie Spann Jr. (Philadelphia, Pa.) led the Griffins with 23 points, seven rebounds, five assists, a block, and a steal.
 
Chestnut Hill College (3-14, 3-5) held the early advantage, capitalizing on the Spann's motor for a 10-point lead in the opening five minutes; 14-4 (15:47). Caldwell University (9-7, 5-3) gradually wore down the double-digit deficit, pulling even with the Griffins on a pair of back-to-back three-point baskets from senior guards Ned Ogoemesim (Westhampton, N.J.) (38-35, 3:33) and Vaughn Covington (Sicklerville, N.J.); 38-38, 3:00). A Scarlet and Gold turnover put the ball right back in the Cougars hands, they continued to look for Ogoemesim en route to a three-point halftime lead 43-40 (0:03).
 
In the second half, early back-to-back three-point baskets from freshman guard Conor Regan (Mullica, N.J.) (44-43, 19:27) and Spann gave the Griffins back the lead; 46-44 (18:27). Chestnut Hill College remained in the lead over the next four minutes (52-51, 14:40), but eventually got careless as a couple turnovers and a unfortunate foul propelled Caldwell University to a 57-52 lead with 12:20 remaining. Another Cougar push around the five minute mark countered the Griffins' rally and pushed the visitors ahead by 10 points, 76-66, with 4:28 left. The difference remained at 10 points, 81-71 (2:53), almost two minutes later. This time, a couple of rushed possessions gave the Cougars all the momentum they needed to seal the deal; 90-71.
 
Senior forward Eric Johnson-Alford (Clifton, N.J.) led four Cougars in double figures with 21 points. He also recorded eight rebounds and five steals. Caldwell University other three double-digit scorers all finished with 15 points; Covington was the most impactful of the bunch with eight rebounds, three assists, and a steal.

Spann scored four (4-of-10, .400) of his baskets (7-of-17, .412) from long range. He was also 5-of-8 (.625) from the free throw line. Regan was the only other Griffin starter in double figures, he added three rebounds and a steal to his 10 points. Sophomore forward Amir Warrick (Washington, DC) provided 11 of Chestnut Hill College's 17 bench points. He also recorded two rebounds, an assist, and a steal. Freshman guard Ahmad Bickley (Philadelphia, Pa.) directed the Scarlet and Gold offense with seven points, five rebounds, and a season-high 11 assists.
 
Chestnut Hill College continues their CACC schedule on Tuesday, January 21, when they visit South Division rival Jefferson for an 8:00 p.m. contest.