Chargers take strong lead against AIA
Jeff Ventrella
Issue date: 11/6/08 Section: Sports
Sunday afternoon the Charger men's basketball enjoyed a romp of an exhibition game against the Athletes in Action Fall Tour squad beating them by 20 points.
The AIA basketball program is more than just a squad of touring ballers who played 11 games in less than two weeks before coming to Hillsdale. The organization aims at "building spiritual movements through the platform of basketball." In spite of the Charger's dominating victory, this outreach garnered nothing but respect from the players.
"They are to be commended for what they do," said assistant Charger basketball coach Dan Evans said.
The talent-packed AIA squad took an early seven-point lead, but the Chargers quickly found their rhythm, making six of thirteen three-pointers. The first half ended with sophomore guard Joe Caruso nailing a three at the buzzer to put Hillsdale ahead by eight, leading 45-37.
In the second half, AIA began to show signs of fatigue. As AIA's shots began to fall short with increasing frequency, the Chargers began to break away, leading by 25 at one point. When the final buzzer sounded, the Chargers conquered by 20, 83-63.
Key players were freshman Brad Guinane, a forward who scored 16 points with a 100 percent shooting percentage, and senior Tony Gugino, who landed a double-double wiht 12 points and 11 rebounds.
The Chargers' numerous fouls could have proved detrimental had the score been tighter They reached the bonus with roughly nine minutes still left in the first half, and then hit the double bonus two minutes later. In the second, the Chargers took all of five minutes to again reach the bonus. No one fouled out however, as the Chargers took advantage of their deep bench to spread the fouls around.
Hillsdale head coach John Tharp said the officials' presence to make calls was one of the most beneficial aspects of the game, showing the Chargers they need to "clean things up from a defensive standpoint."
AIA head coach Luke Simons said the Chargers performed well overall.
"I love the way they play half-court offense," he said. "It's really hard to guard."
Overall, Tharp said the exhibition game provides a baseline for improvement before play begins.
After the game's end, both teams circled for prayer before sharing a meal.
"It's definitely encouraging to see guys that have passion for sports and Jesus," said John Gregg, a sophomore baseball player and member of Hillsdale's AIA leadership team. "As a student athlete, it's nice to see other student athletes who are witnessing."
The AIA basketball program is more than just a squad of touring ballers who played 11 games in less than two weeks before coming to Hillsdale. The organization aims at "building spiritual movements through the platform of basketball." In spite of the Charger's dominating victory, this outreach garnered nothing but respect from the players.
"They are to be commended for what they do," said assistant Charger basketball coach Dan Evans said.
The talent-packed AIA squad took an early seven-point lead, but the Chargers quickly found their rhythm, making six of thirteen three-pointers. The first half ended with sophomore guard Joe Caruso nailing a three at the buzzer to put Hillsdale ahead by eight, leading 45-37.
In the second half, AIA began to show signs of fatigue. As AIA's shots began to fall short with increasing frequency, the Chargers began to break away, leading by 25 at one point. When the final buzzer sounded, the Chargers conquered by 20, 83-63.
Key players were freshman Brad Guinane, a forward who scored 16 points with a 100 percent shooting percentage, and senior Tony Gugino, who landed a double-double wiht 12 points and 11 rebounds.
The Chargers' numerous fouls could have proved detrimental had the score been tighter They reached the bonus with roughly nine minutes still left in the first half, and then hit the double bonus two minutes later. In the second, the Chargers took all of five minutes to again reach the bonus. No one fouled out however, as the Chargers took advantage of their deep bench to spread the fouls around.
Hillsdale head coach John Tharp said the officials' presence to make calls was one of the most beneficial aspects of the game, showing the Chargers they need to "clean things up from a defensive standpoint."
AIA head coach Luke Simons said the Chargers performed well overall.
"I love the way they play half-court offense," he said. "It's really hard to guard."
Overall, Tharp said the exhibition game provides a baseline for improvement before play begins.
After the game's end, both teams circled for prayer before sharing a meal.
"It's definitely encouraging to see guys that have passion for sports and Jesus," said John Gregg, a sophomore baseball player and member of Hillsdale's AIA leadership team. "As a student athlete, it's nice to see other student athletes who are witnessing."
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