The men's basketball team was back on their home court Saturday afternoon when they ended its two-game winning streak in a disappointing 83-68 loss to the University of Maryland Baltimore County.
The UMBC Retrievers stepped onto the floor with precision and execution as they quickly went on a 7-0 run in the first two minutes of the game. Thanks in part to two three-point shots by junior Bryce Simon and quick ball movement by the Eagles' backcourt, AU quickly gained control of the floor and led for the rest of the half.
Junior guard Derrick Mercer could not be stopped. Mercer shot six out of the seven shots from the floor for a total of 11 points on the half. With a formidable 41-34 lead by the end of the first half, it looked as though AU was on the road toward winning their third game in a row.
Unfortunately for the Eagles, the second-half played out like a completely different game. The Retrievers went on a 9-2 run in the first five minutes of the half, bringing the game score to 43 points apiece. The Retrievers made 15 out of 17 free throws, 82 percent from the line, taking clear advantage of the 11 fouls the Eagles had committed.
The Eagles stayed in the game thanks in part to career-high points of 13 and 28 from Eagles Simon and Mercer respectively, but the rest of the team's offense was silent.
AU shot 51 percent from the floor in the first half, but that total dropped to 40 percent in the second.
In comparison, the Retrievers were on fire. Mercer's offensive effort was matched by opposing point guard Jay Greene, who scored a career high as well, finishing with 21 points and five assists. The Retrievers also received 19 points from Brian Hodges and 14 points from Darryl Procter and Ray Barbosa. As the final whistle blew, Eagle fans left the arena in dismay as the Retrievers pulled away with an 83-68 win.
AU looks to bounce back on Tuesday when the team plays at home against local rival Howard University at 7:30 p.m.
