Auburn, ME – CM jumped out to a double-digit lead in the first half and never looked back on their way to a 67-63 win over visiting Vermont Tech Sunday. After losing a nail biter Saturday with Berkeley College, the Mustangs came out of the gate with energy and emotion. Corey David took over the point guard reins and kept the Mustangs on task dishing out 7 assists and recording 10 points.
It was the David to Josh Chery connection early as Chery scored 8 of his game leading 27 points in the first six minutes of the game. The Mustangs jumped out 20-8 and ran into halftime with a 36-24 lead.
"We did everything we intended to do the first half, says Head Coach Dave Gonyea, we wanted to run and wear them out. Playing the second game on the second day on the road is a challenge and we wanted to take advantage of that situation. It helps when our big three, Chery, David, and Malik Farley take the game over and exert their authority. Farley was huge on the glass with 17 rebounds and at 5'10", is the best little big guy in the league," Gonyea says.
CM dominated the glass tearing down 51 rebounds compared to VTC's 27. "Between Josh, Malik, and Deamarco, we usually control rebounding duties all game. Now we have Justin Dugan coming off the bench and provides immediate help. At 6'9", he is a big body and has a high basketball IQ", states Gonyea. "We are getting good bench minutes from Cal Horowitz, Marshall Evans, and today, Jaeden Henderson as Jordan Dudgeon has moved into the starting lineup."
Chery led the squad with 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists. David played his usual all-around game contributing 10 points, 7 assists, and 3 rebounds. Malik Farley ripped down 17 rebounds, and registered 6 assists. Jordan Dudgeon, in his first starting role, chipped in with 11 points, and 7 rebounds. Not to be left out, Big Demarco Mckissic hit for 6 points and 7 rebounds.
At the end of the day, defense was the key. The Mustangs interior defense was on task today limiting all dribble penetration and contesting all shots.
CM entertains Lee Academy Wednesday in a 6pm fray at cozy Kirk Hall.
