CLASSIC CHAMPIONS

Mustang men’s basketball team sweeps Hartwick and Maine Maritime to win SU Tip-Off Classic

Stevenson+mens+basketball+celebrates+after+taking+home+the+Tip-Off+Classic+championship.+Photo+by+Sabina+Moran

Stevenson men’s basketball celebrates after taking home the Tip-Off Classic championship. Photo by Sabina Moran

Stevenson’s men’s basketball team swept two games this weekend to claim the championship of the Stevenson Tip-Off Classic in the Owings Mills Gymnasium. The victories leave the Mustangs 2-1 on the season.

“I am very confident in this team, and I believe others are confident as well because we know how good we can really be,” graduate guard McKale Williams said. 

Williams got the hype in the game with an early 3-point shot. After starting the night off 3-3 in his first 12 minutes, sophomore forward Cameron Smith led the Mustangs to a 17-4 run. Near the end of the half, the Mustangs kept Hartwick scoreless for six minutes.  

The Mustangs won the title on Saturday by defeating Maine Maritime Academy 73-56. 

Williams, Walsh, and sophomore forward Cameron Smith all scored in double digits for the Mustangs. Williams notched his first double-double of the short season with 10 rebounds as well. 

“We have a lot of guys that can provide different things to this team. Now it is just a matter of putting it all together like a puzzle,” Williams said. 

Williams has been a great success for the Mustangs this season. On Saturday he had 13 of the 73 points Stevenson scored. He was one of the few players to score double-digit points and lead the Mustangs to win the Stevenson Classic.  

Despite a run of foul calls, the Mustangs held strong defensively, giving up only 28 points in each half. The crowd was noticeable throughout the game, but it was most noticeable when Walsh nailed a three-pointer later to give the Mustangs their highest lead of the night, up 18. In the final three minutes to seal the victory, Stevenson’s defense allowed just one score. 

The Mustangs will take the court again on Wednesday, November 16, when they visit Gettysburg College. Tipoff is at 8 p.m.