Free Throw Woes Burden SeaWolves at VTC

RANDOLPH, Vt.— The Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) men's basketball team suffered its first Yankee Small College Conference (YSCC) loss of the season, outdueled by the Knights of Vermont Technical College (VTC) 89-83 on Saturday, Nov. 18.

The SeaWolves ended the first half on a 6-0 run to carry a 43-37 lead into the break. The Knights went ahead by two 80-78 on a made free throw by Connor Miller with 2:08 remaining in the second half. Junior co-captain Dylan Silvestri (Pelham, N.H.) rattled in one of his own to bring the SMCC deficit to one with 75 seconds left. The Knights closed the game on a 9-4 run, shooting 9-12 from the charity stripe to come away with the win.

In a game that featured 15 lead changes and three ties, the SeaWolves converted 50 percent from the floor and 42.9 percent from beyond the arc—the Knights produced a similar line at 51.7 and 37.5 percent. The notable difference was SMCC's inability to finish from the free throw line, making 6-22.

First-year Willie Brown (Willimantic, Conn.) led his team with 19 points, matching a season-high five three-pointers made. Three others finished in double figures highlighted by first-year Gregory Trinidad's (Lawrence, Mass.) 13 points and 4-9 from three. Silvestri added 12 points and sophomore Timothy Dixon (Plainville, Conn.) with 11 in just 10 minutes of action.

The SeaWolves couldn't find an answer for VTC's Titus Smith (Elkins, W. Va.) who erupted for a triple-double with 27 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds. The 6'3'' guard was an efficient 9-15 from the field playing the entire 40 minutes.

In a post-game interview, Head Coach Matt Richards commented, "There were outstanding performances across the board from both teams, which is indicative of the 15 lead changes we saw. Bottom line, VTC converted at the free-throw line when it counted."

View the photo gallery of the game HERE.

SMCC stands 6-2 overall, 2-1 in conference action; VTC 6-1 overall, 4-1 YSCC.

The SeaWolves look to build on their four-game win streak against the University of Maine at Augusta on Tuesday, Nov. 21. The Moose, coming off a 113-80 loss to NHTI, Concord's Community College, will enter play at a 2-4 overall mark. Tip-off from the Augusta Civic Center is set for 8 p.m.

For the latest on SMCC's athletic programs, log onto GoSMCCSeawolves.com or follow Southern Maine Community College Athletics on Twitter @SMCCseawolves and on Facebook SMCC Seawolves.