Continuing conference action, Gordon College Men's Basketball took a short bus ride over to Beverly where they battled the Gulls of Endicott College. After the Fighting Scots performed an extraordinary rally in first half, the Gulls came back hot in the second to ultimately secure the 61-53 win. Following today's contest, the Scots drop to 7-8 overall and 4-6 in the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC). Meanwhile Endicott soars to a 9-4 overall record and 6-2 in the conference. 

Leading the Fighting Scots was rookie Bryce Smith who recorded 14 points while handing out three assists. Additionally, Garrett Sattazahn added 11 points for the Scots while grabbing 13 rebounds. 

Sophomore Gull Spencer Aronson led his team with 17 points today, followed by Jalen Echevarria who netted a total of 13 points. 

How It Happened

• Both squads came out hot, scoring early and traded off one-point leads until the clock struck 12 minutes when Endicott hit back to back threes to take a seven-point lead (15-8). The Gulls continued to make their shots until a layup from Parker Omslaer broke up the Gulls' scoring frenzy (11-23) before Endicott's Echevarria sunk another one from behind the arc to give the Gulls their biggest lead of 15.
• However, the Fighting Scots immediately got back to business, retaliating with a massive 14-point run topped off with a fast break from Michael Makiej to bring the Scots within one (25-26), forcing a timeout for Endicott. The score was getting a little too close for comfort for the Gulls as they stepped back on the court hungry to regain a bigger advantage. With 1:24 left, both sides traded threes until Makiej tipped in the last basket of the half to bring the score to 30-31 in favor of the Gulls. 
• Coming back from the break, Gordon quickly tied it up 31-all when David Massillon sunk one from the charity stripe. The squads each traded the advantage once before Cameron Ray hit a three to stretch the Gulls' lead to four. The Scots were prompt to fire back as not long after, Makiej got Gordon going again with a layup (35-37).
• Both teams ping-ponged baskets until Endicott got into the grove, gaining an eight-point lead over the Scots with 8:35 left in the game (49-41). A few minutes later, the Fighting Scots were able to come within five (47-52), however, the Gulls continued to hit their shots, eventually taking the 61-53 win. 

Beyond The Box Score

• Freshman Bryce Smith has recorded double-digit points in 13 of Gordon's 15 contests so far this season. 
• The Fighting Scots hit the road again on Tuesday, January 25 when they travel to Boston to face off against the Rams of Suffolk University for a conference duel at 7:30 p.m.