BUFFALO - The Marist men’s basketball team fell in a hard-fought contest at the Koessler Athletic Center to Canisius by a score of 73-64. Hot shooting by the Golden Griffins from three-point range was the deciding factor in the game as Canisius shot 43.5 (10-23) for the game.
Sophomore Chavaughn Lewis led the Red Foxes with a game-high 24 points. He also added a team-high eight rebounds in 40 minutes. Senior Devin Price backed up Lewis with 16 points.
In his first career start, freshman Phillip Lawrence contributed seven points and three rebounds and assisted on three baskets in 28 minutes.
The host Golden Griffins started the game with a three-of-three performance from beyond the arc to jump out to an early 9-2 lead. Over the next 13-plus minutes the deficit for the Red Foxes would stay between three and seven points as every time Marist would cut into the Golden Griffins’ lead, the hosts would bounce right back with a response. Canisius closed the period on a 9-2 run to take a 36-24 lead into the locker room at.
Coming out after the break, the Golden Griffins continued its hot shooting as Isaac Sosa netted four consecutive three-pointers to help the hosts go up 16, at 48-32.
Faced with a double-digit deficit and less than 10 minutes to play, the Red Foxes continued to scratch away until finally bring the game under 10. With the score 65-60, the Red Foxes would take a five-point deficit under four minutes to play. Unfortunately for the visitors, Canisius would hold on and eventually take the 73-64 victory.
Canisius improved to 10-5 overall and 3-1 in the MAAC with the win, while Marist falls to 4-11, 1-3 in the MAAC.
The Red Foxes will be back in action on Thursday, January 10th with a home match-up against Iona. Opening tip is scheduled for 7 p.m.
