Made free throws down the stretch made the big difference in the 70-65 loss suffered by the Hillsdale College men's basketball team to Saginaw Valley State Sunday afternoon.
The home loss drops the Chargers to 3-3 on the season. Hillsdale opens conference play this week, heading to Cedarville Thursday night.
The Cardinals pulled out in front late in the first half and withstood a couple of Charger runs to stay in the lead. The late-game march to the free throw line proved fruitful for SVSU, who made 13 of its 14 free throws in the game's final 3:54. The score was tied four times, but Hillsdale couldn't quite get over that scoring hump to take control of the contest.
Hillsdale did an outstanding job taking care of the ball despite limited minutes by banged up point guard Nate Neveau. The Chargers turned the ball over just four times while forcing 14 SVSU turnovers. However, the Cardinals enjoyed big statistical edges in rebounds (39-28) and free throw attempts (29-9) in the game, which negated the turnover edge.
Sophomore forward Davis Larson flashed some impressive offensive skills and scored a team-high 19 points for Hillsdale. He added 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals in an excellent 30-minute effort.
Dylan Lowry had 18 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists while senior guard Harrison Niego added 11 points, making three 3-point field goals.
PHOTO: MaryKate Drews