POSTGAME INTERVIEW - DREW JOHNSON
Freshman guard Drew Johnson scored a career high 32 points to lead the University of Mary Washington men's basketball team to an 89-73 victory over St. Mary's (MD.) on Wednesday evening in the Ron Rosner Arena, in both teams' Capital Athletic Conference opener. The Eagles improve to 5-1 on the season.
In the early going, sophomore guard A.J. Robinson hit two three pointers to put the Eagles up, 6-4, just 1:27 into the game. Johnson got his night started with a three point basket to keep the Eagles on top, 13-8.
The Seahawks tied the game at 16-16 with 13:19 left. Over the next 4:05, both teams traded buckets and were tied up at 23-23 with 9:14 remaining in the first half. St. Mary's scored six straight to take the lead, 29-23.
A layup by Johnson gave the Eagles the lead back with 2:14 left in the half to go up, 35-34. Khiorie Stewart added a layup with 1:52 left to put UMW up 37-36 at the half. Robinson scored nine points in the first half to lead the Eagles.
In the second half, Johnson got it going early as he nailed his first three pointer just 47 seconds in to give the Eagles a 40-39 lead. The Seahawks went on a 7-1 run to take the lead, 46-41, with 17:24 remaining. Senior forward Eric Shaw ignited the crowd with a massive dunk to tie the game up 46-46 with 16:21 remaining.
Johnson nailed two three pointers in a row to keep UMW ahead, 52-50. Sophomore guard Mark Madison knocked down two three pointers in a row to put the Eagles up 67-56 with 9:46 left in the game. The Seahawks used a 6-0 run to climb back in the game with 7:39 left.
UMW pulled away as Robinson, Johnson and Madison all drained three pointers and pushed the Eagles lead to 80-68 with 2:56 remaining. Robinson would score on a jumper with 33 seconds left to give UMW the victory, 89-73.
Johnson made 10 three pointers in the game, just one shy of the school record. Robinson scored 14 points on the night. Shaw and Madison both chipped in 13 points a piece. Junior forward Johnny Cronin hauled in 13 rebounds. St. Mary's was led by Matt Ayoud who scored 18 points.
The Eagles shot 48.5% (33-68) from the field, making 17-36 three pointers, and 6-12 free throws. The Seahawks shot 53.8% (28-52) from the field, making 4-9 three pointers, and 13-19 free throws. UMW outrebounded St. Mary's 34-30 and totaled 13 assists.
Mary Washington will return to action on Saturday, as they visit York College of Pa. in another CAC clash at 3 p.m.