Dean men’s basketball improves to 10-2 at home in Pieri Gymnasium. (Photo Courtesy: Deanbulldogs.com)
FRANKLIN- The Dean College men’s basketball team defeated Elms College 82-66 on Saturday afternoon at Pieri Gymnasium. The Bulldogs got out to an early 11-0 lead until RJ Mayfield made a layup to stop the early Dean run. However, the Bulldogs used the long ball to go up by twenty in the opening minutes as they made their first six three-pointers. Dean was up 38-22 with six minutes remaining before the Blazers went on a 15-2 run cutting Dean’s lead to 40-37 at the half.
Elms never led in the game as the closest they came was within two points when Mayfield made a free throw at the charity stripe.
The game remained close in the second half before the Bulldogs increased the defensive pressure again which helped them get the victory.
Dean brought the full-court press the entire game resulting in twenty-three forced turnovers, five ten-second backcourt violations, and a shot clock violation. Dean also scored twenty-three points off the Blazers' turnovers.
Elms shot 51.7% from the field, while the Bulldogs shot 45.2% from the field in the half. After starting hot from downtown, Dean finished 43.7% from long range. The Bulldogs also shot 49.2% from the field and won the battle on the boards 40-30.
Dean was led by AJ Weston who finished with twenty points and Mark Blair, who finished with nineteen points on 61.5% shooting from the field and grabbed twelve rebounds.
Jakobi Greenleaf also finished with thirteen points, seven rebounds, and a season-high five blocks. “I think he is the defensive player of the year in the GNAC. Defensively he is our stopper because he alters shots at the rim, he is always in the right spot, he gives that second burst of energy on the defensive end, and he was the difference maker tonight,” Dean head coach Joe Cabral said after the game. Malik Spearman also collected his seventh double-double of the season with eleven points and ten rebounds. Jake Midura led the Blazers with sixteen points and shot 50% from downtown.
Dean has now swept the season series with Elms after they also defeated them 90-72 back on January 7th. Dean improves to 14-8 overall, 9-6 in conference play, and 10-2 at home.
“I think we have one of the best fans in the league. It plays a huge advantage for us because we can feel it, and it adds to our energy level. We appreciate the fans coming out and showing the support throughout the year,” Coach Cabral said after the game.
The Bulldogs will be in action next Saturday, February 11th, when they will be on the road to play the number one team in the conference, the University of St Joseph at 3 pm.