Mount St. Mary’s Advances

March Madness began with the First Four games in Dayton, OH starting with the Mount St Mary’s Mountaineers and the New Orleans Privateers. Both 16 seeded teams fought to make it to the Round of 64.

The Mountaineers prevailed despite a late run in the second half by New Orleans. Guards Junior Robinson and Miles Wilson were the highlights of the game. A jumper from Robinson and two made free throws from Wilson secured the win over the Privateers. USP NCAA BASKETBALL: NCAA TOURNAMENT-FIRST FOUR-MO S BKC USA OH

They both commanded from behind the arc with a combined six three-pointers. New Orleans in the first half struggled from the three shooting 14.3 percent. Erik Thomas was the only leading scorer before the second half shooting 60 percent.

The momentum changed for both teams as New Orleans picked up the pace starting runs and the Mountaineers slowed down. Nate Frye took control in the final half finishing with 18 points, three rebounds and shot 70 percent from the floor.

A foul on Mountaineer Mawdo Sallah sent Christavious Gill to the line where he sank both free throws giving New Orleans a one-point lead with a little under two minutes in the half. Robinson shot a jumper to retake the lead and a foul on Thomas sent Wilson to the line. Thomas nailed both free throws were made extending their lead to three.

Two made free throws from Frye put New Orleans within one, but Mount St Mary’s ran out most of the clock leaving New Orleans with under three seconds to go. A steal by Chris Wray ended New Orleans’ season.

Robinson and Wilson had a joint point total of 40.

The Mount St Mary’s Mountaineers secured the 16 seed and compete against one seeded Villanova on Thursday evening.

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Diamond Holton
TENNIS BEAT WRITER
Diamond learned the essence of journalism attending PGCC and lastly Salisbury University...GO SEA GULLS! Her experience began in college writing for The Owl Newspaper at PGCC and The Flyer at Salisbury where she was able to cover Division III collegiate sports. She's even written for a local newspaper in the Delmarva region, The Salisbury Star. Diamond loves Serena Williams, Baltimore Orioles, Washington Wizards, and her beloved New England Patriots.