The first two seasons of Patrick Cartier's career have been impressive, including G-MAC Freshman of the Year, G-MAC Player of the Year, and All-American honors.
If his performance in #7 Hillsdale College's 75-67 season-opening win over Saginaw Valley State on the road on Friday is any indication, the Charger big man may just be getting started.
Cartier scored a career-high 34 points on 15 of 20 shooting from the floor, outdueling the Cardinals' Delano Smith and his 27 points in the scoring column to help Hillsdale hold off a determined and athletic SVSU team for the victory.s
The junior center had 18 first half points, including a layup with 17 seconds to play that gave the Chargers a one-point halftime edge in a hard-fought game. He stayed hot in the second half, adding 16 more points. More worrying for future opponents, Cartier also showcased improved outside shooting touch, knocking down two 3-pointers in the contest.
While Cartier had a career-best game, it was far from a one-man show for Hillsdale on the night, as his Charger teammates stepped up in a big way in the second half to help pull away from the Cardinals.
After being held scoreless in the first half, senior forward Austen Yarian came back with a vengeance in the second half, scoring 10 points to help Hillsdale build a lead that would hold. Yarian showed his versatility throughout the contest, chipping in eight rebounds and six assists to flirt with what would have been his first career triple-double.
Junior Kyle Goessler was 3 of 5 from three-point range for the Chargers to finish with 11 points, five assists and three rebounds as well for Hillsdale, and junior Cole Nau added 10 points, four assists and three rebounds.
Great passing was a key for Hillsdale in the victory, as the Chargers had assists on 20 of their 29 made baskets. That, combined with shooting 50 percent from 3-point range, allowed Hillsdale to overcome a 15-6 Cardinal edge in offensive rebounds on the night.
The Chargers (1-0) are back in action tomorrow, Saturday, traveling to Northwood for a 7 p.m. contest looking to remain unbeaten against another experienced and tough Midwest Regional foe.
Photo by Anthony Lupi '22