WASHINGTON - The Gallaudet University men's basketball team fell to St. Mary's College of Maryland, 88-83, here Tuesday night during a non-conference game in front of 184 spectators in their home opener at the Field House.

After trailing for the entire game, Gallaudet (1-2) battled back to take the lead with 6:47 left in regulation after freshman guard Noah Valencia (Riverside, Calif.) stole the ball and darted up the court for an easy lay-up to give the Bison a one-point lead, 67-66. Valencia finished the game with 19 points, six steals and two rebounds.

Gallaudet was unable to hold on to its lead, allowing the Seahawks (3-1) to take the lead back on their ensuing possession. Although the Bison continued to fight, tying the game twice, they were unable to regain the lead. Ochae Bynum led the Seahawks with 27 points and five assists.

Gallaudet was led in the second half by senior center Joshua McGriff (Somerset, N.J.) and junior forward Andy Cruz (Bronx, N.Y.), who each scored 14 points in the second half, and earned double-doubles as the Bison tried to make a comeback. McGriff finished with 26 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks and Cruz finished with 17 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Senior guard Raymond Nelson (Riverside, Calif.) scored eight of his 13 points in the second half and finished with three rebounds and three assists.

BISON TRACKS

• Gallaudet outscored St. Mary's in the paint, 50-26
• The Bison scored 21 second chance points off of 14 offensive rebounds
• The Bison netted eight fast break points
• Gallaudet out rebounded St. Mary's by eight, 41-33
• Sophomore guard Jawaun Jackson (Downey, Calif.) finished with six points and five rebounds

UP NEXT
Gallaudet returns to action on Tuesday, Nov. 29, at 8 p.m. when they open up North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) play against Bryn Athyn College.