Returning from winter break, Gordon College Men's Basketball headed over to Worcester, Massachusetts where they faced the Cougars of Clark University for today's non-conference matchup to commence the two day tournament. Despite multiple resurgences from behind, the Fighting Scots ultimately fell to their hosts 63-68. With the loss, Gordon evens out their overall record to .500 (3-3) while remaining 1-2 in conference play. Meanwhile, the Cougars climb to 10-0 overall in their undefeated season.

Leading the Scots were freshmen Bryce Smith and Treyton Tebbs who represented their class well by netting 14 and 11 points respectively. Just behind the rookies was veteran Garrett Sattazahn who added nine points and as many rebounds to the mix followed by graduate student Parker Omslaer who recorded eight points while grabbing seven rebounds. 

For the home team, Tyler Davern fronted his team to victory with 22 points and 10 rebounds, meanwhile Isaiah Taylor was right behind him with 20 points. Bruce Saintilus also did his part for the Cougars by adding 11 points to Clark's score this evening. 

How It Happened

• After back and forth leads early in the first half, the Scots powered through to gain a six point lead over the Cougars (14-8) thanks to a three-pointer from the hands of up and coming rookie Tebbs followed by a layup from Caleb Scott. Clark managed to shrink their deficit however it wasn't long before the Fighting Scots went ahead to claim their biggest lead of the half (20-12) after Sattazahn sunk a three to give Gordon an eight point edge with 9:13 left in the half. 
• Although, the Cougars quickly answered back with an 11 point run to break the tie and take a three point advantage (23-20). The squads battled for the remainder of the half, as the Scots were able to come within one of tying it up again (32-33) before Clark went on a last minute streak to end the half with a six point lead (38-32). 
• The Cougars returned from the locker room firing, laying in back to back layups as they continued to tack onto their lead (42-32). However, the Fighting Scots refused to be down by double-digits, immediately retaliating to close the gap 43-44 after another Tebb three before Clark answered back with one of their own. Tebbs led the Scots back into combat as the freshman drained another one from behind the arc as well as a layup to regain Gordon's long awaited lead (48-47).
• However, longing to reclaim their lead, the Cougars pounced back with a pair of layups and three-pointers to bring the score to 57-48 with less than ten minutes on the ticker. Despite their best efforts to rally back, and eventually coming within four (63-67), the Fighting Scots were ultimately bested, 63-68. 

Beyond The Box Score

• Newcomer Bryce Smith continues to show up for the Scots as the freshman has booked double-digit points in five of Gordon's six games so far this season. 
• The Fighting Scots jump right back into it tomorrow, Wednesday, December 30, when they step back on the Cougar's court for the second and final day of the tournament as they take on the Moose of University of Maine At Augusta at 2 p.m.