The Hillsdale College men's basketball team didn't let a tough loss on Wednesday linger, bouncing back on Saturday with a critical Midwest Region win at Wayne State, 68-62.
The Chargers never trailed in Saturday's contest and led by as many as 15 points, holding off a late rally by a senior-heavy and determined Warriors squad to secure the victory.
Hillsdale led by double digits for most of the first half, but a late run by Wayne St. got the Warriors back within four, 37-33, at the break.
The Chargers quickly got its lead back to 10 early in the second half, and from there held Wayne St. at bay, never letting the Warriors make it a one-possession game at any point in the final 20 minutes despite several furious Warrior rallies in the closing minutes. Wayne St. did get Hillsdale's lead down to four points, 64-60, with 1:23 to play, but junior Kyle Goessler was 4 for 4 from the free throw line in the final minute to put the Warriors away.
Junior forward Patrick Cartier had another big game for the Chargers, finishing with 25 points on 11 of 16 shooting and five rebounds, four assists and three steals, and senior center Austen Yarian provided needed scoring as well for Hillsdale, with 17 points, seven rebounds and two blocks.
Junior Tavon Brown had a solid all-around game as well for Hillsdale, chipping in nine points, eight rebounds and three assists, and Goessler added seven points and five assists for the Chargers.
The stats between the Warriors and Chargers were extremely close for the game but Hillsdale dominated on points in the paint, with 40 to Wayne St.'s 22, and were more efficient from the floor, shooting 44.3% on field goal attempts to Wayne St.'s 37.5%.
Hillsdale is now 3-1 overall and has one more non-conference tune-up, against GLVC foe Lewis, before G-MAC play begins on Dec. 2.
Photo by Anthony Lupi '22