Posted: Nov 26, 2011
ASTON, Pa. – Beginning a stretch of four games in seven days, the Ursinus College men's basketball game fought back against Eastern, but, dropped a 76-68 decision the Eagles in the opening game of the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic hosted by Neumann University.
The Bears (1-4) nearly rallied from a 15-point deficit with 5:25 left in the game but could only get to within four at 66-62.
Ursinus was led by junior forward Jon Ward (Allentown, Pa./Parkland) who had 18 points, one of four Bears in double figures. Sophomore guard Pat Vasturia (Medford, N.J./Bishop Eustace) added in 15, with sophomore point guard Jesse Krasna (Fairless Hills, Pa./Pennsbury) scoring 13.
Junior guard Matt Donahue (Mechanicsburg, Pa./Trinity) played a fine game off the bench as he went for ten points.
Ursinus shot just 9-for-31 in the second half (29 percent) and converted 17-of-26 foul shots.
Eastern, led by 24 points from Alex Nelson, finished the game with a 27-for-60 performance from the field.
Ursinus held a 43-33 lead on the glass, including a 15-9 edge in offensive rebounds. Ward and freshman guard Phil Walker (Sicklerville, N.J./Solebury Prep) each had seven rebounds for the Bears.
Game two of the four game stretch continues on Monday, as the Bears make the short trip to Moravian for a 8 p.m. start.