Mustangs Register Initial Victory Over Gophers

TOWSON, MD — Goucher's run of perfection against Villa Julie came to an end tonight when the Mustangs departed the Sports & Recreation Center with a 73-68 victory over the Gophers in the opening round of the 2005 Pride of Maryland Tournament.

The Gophers, who were 7-0 all-time against Villa Julie, assumed a 23-17 lead on a layup by Tim Merritt (Pasadena, MD/Chesapeake) with 7:46 remaining in the first half, but the Mustangs (1-0) responded with a 13-0 run that allowed them to open up a 30-23 advantage at the break. Villa Julie's Steve Segears tallied 12 of his game-high 21 points in the first half.

The Mustangs' biggest lead of the contest came midway through the second half when a layup by Anthony Fitzgerald made the score 55-40.

The Gophers (0-1) twice closed to within four points in the final minute of play, the first time on a three-point basket by Conor Martin (Falmouth, ME/Falmouth) and then on a layup by C.J. Snipes (Washington, DC/Northwestern) with only :15 left to play.

Fitzgerald and Kerry Dugan combined for 25 points and 34 rebounds in the victory.

Jonathan Garritt (Severna Park, MD/Severna Park) and James Russo (Cockeysville, MD/Dulaney) shared scoring honors for the Gophers with 19 points apiece.