Goldey-Beacom clinched its fifth straight post season berth to the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Tournament after a 64-63 win over the University of the Sciences in a conference matchup in the Jones Center.
Seven-time CACC Honor Roll sophomore Nazim Derry (Atlantic City, N.J.) recorded a game-high 21 points by shooting 50 percent (7-of-14) from the field and 55 percent (5-of-9) from the 3-point arc. It was yet another record-breaking night for Derry as he moved up in four different scoring categories. Derry is now 9th in career 3-pointers at 121, 10th all-time in single-season points with 464, 10th in single-season field goals with 161 and 18th in career points with 778.
Both teams were evenly matched at halftime, tied at 36, with five lead changes as the Lightning shot a combined 50 percent (13-of-26) from the field and owning a 17-14 rebound edge.
The Lightning took the lead with 16:05 remaining in the second half with a made layup by sophomore Mekhi Collins (Medford, Mass.), 45-43. With 11:38 remaining on the clock, Goldey-Beacom held its largest lead at 50-45 after a layup made by freshman Kevon Ferguson (Brooklyn, N.Y.).
Six lead changes ensued in the battle for the win. The Devils' Sean Simon drained a 3-pointer at the buzzer, but it was not enough.
Junior Juran Ligonde (Boston, Mass.) recorded a double-double with 17 points on 67 percent (6-of-9) field goals and snatched 12 rebounds. Senior Tyler Jones (Lawrenceville, N.J.) dished five assists and snatched a pair of steals for the Lightning who shot 43 percent (22-of-51) from the field, (12-11, 8-6 CACC).
Tommy Gardler recorded 17 points shooting 50 percent (5-of-10) from the field. Jordan Davidson adds 10 points with Jaakko Juuesla and Zachary Foley each grabbing six rebounds for the Devils who shot 39 percent (21-of-54) from the field, (3-18, 3-12 CACC).
Goldey-Beacom hosts Post University in a rescheduled CACC matchup on Thursday. Game time is set for 5pm following the women's contest at 3pm.
