Goldey-Beacom notched an outstanding offensive performance, but was unable to come back late in a 73-68 Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference loss to Chestnut Hill in Philadelphia, PA.
Goldey-Beacom was down 36-32 at halftime despite shooting 48 percent (14-of-29) from the field and holding Chestnut Hill to just 1-of-6 from 3-point range. Junior Juran Ligonde (Boston, MA) scored nine points in the half on 4-of-7 shooting.
The Griffins held the lead most of the second half, but the Lightning refused to fold. Junior Malcolm Weathers (Virginia Beach, VA) nailed a 3-pointer with 1:44 left to get GBC within 70-62 and sophomore Nazim Derry (Atlantic City, NJ) followed suit 43 seconds later for a five-point game.
But Chestnut Hill had an answer on the end that all but finished things. The Griffins worked their way out of a full-court press and MJ Iraldi hit a driving layup with 40 seconds to go for a 72-65 game.
Ligonde ended with a season-best 17 points, two off his career high, Derry netted 15 points, freshman Ese Efekodo (Middletown, DE) scored 12 and senior Tyler Jones (Lawrenceville, NJ) had 11 and eight assists for the Lightning (3-5, 1-1 CACC). GBC ended shooting 50 percent (28-of-56) from the floor that included 52 percent (14-of-27) in the second half, but could not overcome Chestnut Hill hitting for 55 percent (16-of-29) after intermission.
Iraldi scored 17 points on 8-of-11 shooting, James Rider IV netted 13 with David Erebor and Nigel Naughton both getting 10 and eight rebounds for the Griffins (3-4, 2-0).
Goldey-Beacom returns home next Tuesday against Jefferson. Game time is at 8:00 pm, which follows the women's game between the same school at 6:00 pm.
