GLASSBORO, N.J. – The Haverford College men's basketball team trimmed a 16 point second half deficit all the way down to a single point in the final minutes of Monday's non-conference road battle against Rowan. However, despite the valiant comeback efforts of the visitors, Rowan never relinquished its second half advantage and escaped with a 75-71 victory.
The comeback was fueled by a trio of players that all reached double figures during just the second half of action. Walt Plumlee led the Fords with 19 points, 14 of which came in the final 20 minutes. Joe Scibelli and Matt Sherman added 18 and 16 points, respectively, for the contest. Scibelli poured in 12 points during the second half, while Sherman added 11 during that time frame. The Profs had four starters reach double figures in the scoring column as Shawn Wilson's 20 points led the way for the hosts.
The opening half provided a little foreshadowing of the comeback yet to transpire on Monday evening. Rowan scored the game's first 11 points in a span that covered over three minutes of playing time. Nevertheless, when Scibelli cracked the Haverford scoreboard at the free throw line, the points began to come fast and furious for Haverford.
When the blitz of the Rowan defense was complete, Haverford had taken the lead with a 12-0 run that was capped by a three-pointer from Scibelli. The stretch was a complete team effort as four different players scored during the run that saw the Fords put up points on the offensive end in six of their seven possessions.
After the roller coaster ride of momentum to start, the teams settled in with Rowan holding an 18-17 edge with 7:51 to play in the half. Nevertheless, a 9-0 run from the Profs helped them pull away. The host's lead reached as high as 13 points before a three-pointer from Plumlee right before the buzzer as Haverford trailed 37-27 heading into the break.
Rowan steadily grew its lead to a game-high 16 points with 15:25 to play in the second half. The Profs matched that margin with a 52-36 edge just over one minute later. Back-to-back three-pointers from Sherman and Plumlee trimmed the deficit to single digits, but with just a tick under eight minutes to play it was Rowan that still held a 65-55 edge.
The largest run of the second half by either side shortly ensued with Haverford scoring 12 of the next 15 points to make it a single possession game, 68-67, with 3:37 showing on the game clock. Kyle Goldfarb, who finished with season highs in eight different statistical categories, started and ended that stretch on his way to recording nine points on the evening.
Trading points in the paint, Henry Stevens' jumper made the score 70-69 with 2:15 to play. However, the game of momentum swings ultimately turned against Haverford as it was shut down on the offensive end the rest of the way during a 75-71 defeat.
With Monday's matchup signaling the end of non-conference play, Haverford will now begin preparation for the remainder of its always challenging Centennial Conference matchups. The next of those matchups will see the Fords return home for the first time since December 1 when they host Johns Hopkins on Thursday night. The Blue Jays and Fords are slated for an 8 p.m. start. That contest will be preceded by the women's game at 6 p.m.
Thursday's doubleheader vs. Johns Hopkins is also Hoops 'N Hoagie Night at the GIAC. At 5:30 p.m., hoagies and beverages will be available as long as supplies last. Family members of Haverford College employees and alumni, especially those cheering loudly for Haverford, are very welcome! Magic by Poly will also perform a magic show before and at halftime of the women's game.