Twice As Nice!

The Notre Dame Falcons (3-4) used a three pointer by Brennan Osborne that broke a 67-67 tie to win for the second straight time and complete a series sweep of Houghton.

The Falcons won back to back games for the first time this season when Osborne drained the three to knock off the Highlanders (4-5) 70-68. Three Falcons players scored in double figures in the big win in Rochester. Marcquice Taylor led a pair of NDC players with 16 points, while Phil Biggs also added 16 to go along with 11 rebounds. Raphi Tekie contributed 12 points to round out the double digit scorers for the Falcons. The Falcons shot 47 percent from the field and hit 8 0f 20 (40 percent) from the three point line. NDC heated up from long range in the second half when they went 4 of 6, including Osborne's game winner. The Falcons were a very respectable 73 percent (8-11) at the foul line. NDC also did a good job taking care of the basketball turning it over ten times.

The Highlanders had a brief two game win streak snapped. Mike Munoz had a monster game for Houghton, scoring 26 points to go along with 21 rebounds. Matthew Dean added 14, while Chris Confair netted 12 for the Highlanders. Houghton shot 45 percent from the field and 44 percent from the 3-point line. The Highlanders could not convert at the foul line going 9-17 (53 percent). The hosts also had 10 turnovers. Each team gathered 34 rebounds.

The first half was a see-saw affair with three lead changes and six ties. The game was knotted at 34 at halftime. NDC built a 14 point lead (59-45) with 10:34 to go after Kaloma Fiegeroa-Jackson drained a pair of free throws. Matthew Dean drained a three to cut the lead to 67-66 with 1:34 to go and cap a 17-4 Highlanders run. Mark O'Brien then split a pair of free throws before Osborne's big three put NDC up to stay. After a NDC foul, Andrew Makori would have to make the first (which he did)and miss the second intentionally and get a tip in. Fittingly it was Osborne who came up with the rebound to seal it.

NDC will be back in action Saturday when they face the Mavericks of OSU-Mansfield in the NDC Comfort Inn Classic. Tip time is set for 4 PM at Murphy Gymnasium.