Goucher Opens Conference Play in Nail Biting Loss to the Cardinals

BALTIMORE, MD - The Goucher College Gophers (0-3 overall, 0-1 conference) lost in a close game to the Cardinals of the Catholic University of America (3-1 overall, 1-0 conference) on Wednesday night. The Gophers were defeated by the Cardinals, 62-56.

Catholic established its offensive presence with a 12-0 run to start the game. First year, Foncham Ambe broke the scoreless start for the Gophers with a jump shot, sparking a 6-0 Goucher run. The Gophers offense continued to create scoring opportunities bringing them within one point of Catholic (14-13) with 7:30 left in the first half. Both teams traded baskets as the pace intensified. A forceful block from Liech Kong led to a transition layup from Avree Harris, and moments later, a timely block by Chima Egeonu set up a three-pointer from Kong, giving Goucher its first lead of the game. Catholic answered with a three of its own, but Darnell Morris Jr. responded quickly from beyond the arc. Harris added back-to-back layups to close the half, sending the Gophers into the break with a 29–28 lead.

Catholic scored the first points of the second half at the free-throw line. First year, Austin Carter knocked down a three off a pass from Morris Jr. The Cardinals responded with a three of their own to cut the deficit to 38–35. Jadyss Fifer tacked more points onto the Gophers' lead by finishing another three, helping the Gophers build a seven-point lead. Catholic, however, refused to slow down offensively and regained the lead with six minutes remaining. Harris tied the game with a jumper, but Catholic regained the lead at the line and capitalized on second-chance opportunities to pull back ahead. The Gophers fought back with three from Kong, and despite this final push, Catholic held on to the lead down the stretch.

Kong and Carter led the team with 11 points. Kong shot 50% from behind the arc. Carter and Kong were followed by Morris Jr. with ten points. Both Carter and Morris Jr. led the team woth two assists apiece. Kong and Egeonu recorded seven rebounds and three blocks each. 

Goucher shot 37.9% from the field versus Catholic's 35.6%. From beyond the arc, the Cardinals went 8-22 while the Gophers went 10-27. Catholic shot 63.2% from the charity stripe while the Gophers shot 28.6%.

The Gophers travel to take on the University of Scranton on Saturday, November 22, at 2pm in the first game of a doubleheader. Goucher returns home on Tuesday, November 25, at 6pm to face Ursinus at the Decker Sports and Recreation Center.