Last week, the Chargers faced off against the Assumption University Greyhounds and won the conference game, 84-80.
After a victory over Saint Michael’s only a few days prior, New Haven looked to stay in the win column.
Earlier in the season, the Chargers faced off against Assumption but fell short in the conference match.
“The mindset was to keep our composure and just play our game, also we knew honestly, we can beat them so just coming together was the best thing to do,” said guard Jah’Likai King.
Early in the game, the Chargers and Greyhounds were neck and neck exchanging points. The Chargers held a four point lead in the middle of the first half. The Greyhounds kept fighting and went into halftime with a one point lead over the Chargers. In the second half, both teams rallied against one another until guard Seth Sharif-Brown scored a free throw which sent the game into overtime. After five extra minutes of play, the Chargers took the lead and called the game.
King led the Chargers with 20 points after shooting 6-for-12 from the field and 8-for-9 at the free throw line. King also had four rebounds, three assists and a steal. Sharif Brown and forward Ugo Nwachukwu followed closely behind with 18 points each. Sharif-Brown shot 4-for-7 at the three point arc and had a trio of rebounds and assists. Nwachukwu finished shooting 7-for-8 in the field and 1-for-1 from behind the three point arc. In addition, he had ten rebounds and a steal.
Following New Haven’s leading scorers, four other Chargers were able to put points up on the board. Forward Ethan Simmon added 12 points, five rebounds and two steals. Guards Najimi George and Tristian Jeffries each scored seven points. George shot 3-for-3 in the field and 1-for-1 from the three point arc. Jeffries added three rebounds, a block and a steal. Guard Javel Cherry scored two points and had a rebound and assist.
The Chargers finished 54.5% from the shooting field compared to the Greyhounds shooting 45.6%. New Haven shot 40.9% from behind the three point arc while Assumption finished shooting 24%. After 16 personal fouls from the Greyhounds, the Chargers shot 15-for-21 at the free throw line. New Haven tallied 34 rebounds, nine assists, six steals and a block.
To keep a strong standing for the remainder of the season and while working towards postseason play, King said the team can always work on more communication and togetherness.
“We have been having our days in practice here and there but just having a team effort everyday and better energy than the previous day always,” said King.
After the win over the Greyhounds, New Haven has an overall record of 9-9 and 5-6 in conference play. On Tuesday, the Chargers will take the road for their next conference game against the Southern New Hampshire Penmen. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Stan Spirou Field House. For more information, visit NewHavenChargers.com.