Game Recap: 2nd Half Sinks Mustangs Again In 97-83 Loss

WAYNE, Pa. - A lack of execution in the second half proved costly for the Mustangs men's basketball team as it lost its second straight, a 97-83 defeat at Valley Forge Military College on Tuesday evening.

Despite trailing 8-0 and 12-2 to open the game, the Mustangs rallied and actually took a 33-32 lead late in the first half. The Trojans took a 36-35 lead into the locker room at halftime before seizing the momentum in the second half.

"For the second game in a row we played fairly well in the first half, but just didn't get it done in the second half," said Head Men's Basketball coach Denny Surovec. "We just haven't been able to execute for a full 40 minutes."

The loss left the Mustangs 5-3 overall, but still 4-1 in the conference.

Montgomery placed four players in double figures, with freshman guard Jared Stanley leading the way with 20 points. Meanwhile, freshman forward/center Vince Casciello imposed his will on the Trojans, amassing 16 points, 11 rebounds and 6 steals. Tyreek Magruder and Kanen Horton added 12 points apiece, while Matt Krewson was credited with 5 assists.

"Vince played really well for us tonight as he continues to get better each game," Surovec said. "The guys played hard all night."

The Mustangs struggled considerably with their field-goal shooting, converting 33-of-84 (39.3%), made good on half of their 16 free throw opportunities, and attempted 29 shots from beyond the arc and connected on just nine of those.

Conversely, the Trojans shot just over 63 percent from the field and over 75 percent from the foul line. Valley Forge out-rebounded Montgomery, 44-27.

Surovec will look for a 40-minute effort Thursday evening when the Mustangs travel to Middlesex County College to square off against the Blue Colts. Tip-off is slated for 7 PM.