Game Recap: Shooting Woes, Fouls Cost Mustangs In Loss

CHESTER, Pa. - An inability to make buckets from just about anywhere on the court doomed the men's basketball team as the Mustangs fell 90-68 to the Phantoms of Delaware County Community College in Region XIX action Tuesday evening. The loss marked the team's second straight entering the holiday break.

As a team, Montgomery shot 25 of 68 from the floor to close the night with a 36.8 percent field-goal percentage.

"We had a lot of good looks, but just couldn't make shots tonight," Head Men's Basketball Coach Denny Surovec said.

But, despite the shooting woes, the Mustangs actually led the Phantoms by 10 at halftime, 42-32. However, Delaware County rallied in the second half and led by 5 points with 5 minutes remaining in the game.

Montgomery then hurt itself with a series of self-inflicted wounds as Surovec saw four of his players foul out and watched for a second straight game as his players failed to convert free throws down the stretch.

"We played well in the first half, but really let things get away late," Surovec said. "Our free-throw shooting continues to hurt, and losing four guys to foul outs was a big factor, too."

The Mustangs made 14-of-24 shots (58.3%) from the foul line and endured a painful 15.4 percent (4-of-26) showing from beyond the arc. The Phantoms, meanwhile, shot 55.1 percent (27-of-49) from the field and converted 69.4 percent (34-of-49) of their free throws.

Delaware County held the advantage on the glass as well, out-rebounding Montgomery by a 40-24 count.

On an off-night shooting, Jared Stanley led the Mustangs with 12 points. Tyreek Magruder dished out 5 assists, and Kanen Horton collected 5 rebounds.

"We have a lot of work to do over break, but I'm confident that we will get back on track," Surovec said. "These guys are working too hard not to."

The Mustangs are back in action on home court on Tuesday, Jan. 13 vs. Lehigh Carbon Community College. Tip-off is set for 8 pm.