Wilmington handles Mercer
Wilmington (55) Vs. Mercer (42)
Jan 25, 2012
Wilmington pulled away in the fourth quarter of a District 10, Region 2-AA showdown with Mercer.
The Greyhounds (3-1, 6-9) trailed by seven in the third quarter, but came back on their home court thanks to a boost from Anthony Derrick, who made 9 of 10 free throws in the final frame, when Wilmington outscored the Mustangs, 17-7. Greyhounds coach Mike Jeckavitch said Mercer (0-4, 4-9) changed their defense and it created a spark for the Greyhounds.
“They basically stayed in a 2-3 zone,” he said. “I was missing my two best scorers, so they zoned us and we didn’t shoot real well. They went man to man on us for a few minutes in the fourth, and our guards really broke them down and we made some shots.”
Wilmington, who was without starters Matt Bowen and Ryan Sager because of injuries, sank 14 free throws in the fourth quarter and 18 of 23 total. Rocco Fagan carried the Greyhounds for much of the game. He scored eight in the first quarter, nine in the third and finished with a game-high 19 points. Derrick netted 14 and dished out six assists. Fagan and Vince Pitzulo each grabbed five steals.
Paul McCullough paced the Mustangs with 10 points.