HAVERFORD, Pa. – The Haverford College men's basketball team got a combined 47 points between Joe Scibelli and Matt Sherman, but it was not enough to overcome Muhlenberg's balanced attack as nine of the 10 players who saw playing time recorded a basket in the Mules' 65-58 victory.
Scibelli led all scorers with 27 points to go along with nine rebounds. Matt Sherman scored 20 points as he reached the 800 point plateau for his career. Muhlenberg's varied attack was headlined by 22 points from Brandon Larose.
Fittingly enough, the first half started with a three-pointer from Sherman and he then followed that up with a layup on the next possession. However, after the quick start Muhlenberg did not allow a basket during the next 4:27 of playing time. In that time frame, the Mules built a 12-5 lead.
The Fords brought the game down to a single possession on numerous occasions but just could not pull even. The first try came when Sherman hit a three to make the score 14-12 before a Mules' basket from the field. Another Sherman three later set the score at 18-15. The final threat of the opening 20 minutes came when Jack Cork knocked down a jumper to make the score 24-21 with 6:05 left before the half.
Despite Haverford's repeated efforts to get back in the game, Muhlenberg took a 35-24 lead into its locker room. The Mules pushed their advantage to 46-28 early in the second half, but a determined effort from Haverford got the Fords back into the game late. Following the Mules' largest lead of the evening, Haverford tightened defensively and allowed just one point during the next 7:24 of game action. The Fords went on an 11-1 run during that time with six points from Scibelli and four more from Sherman.
Scibelli brought the game within seven points at the 2:35 mark after he connected from behind the arc. However, Muhlenberg's defense withstood that final challenge and hit 4-of-6 free throws in the final minute to seal the victory.
Haverford nearly outscored Muhlenberg at the free throw line on Wednesday despite having 14 less chances at the charity stripe. However, the Mules made up that difference by shooting 49 percent from the field.
Men's basketball will close the calendar year this Saturday with a trip to Washington College. That game will follow the women's game and is scheduled for a 4 p.m. tip in Chestertown.