The University Hawks won a close one the last time they played, but unfortunately they suffered a serious change of fortune on Thursday. They suffered a tough 64-39 defeat at the hands of Academy of Science and Innovation. The result shouldn't come as a shock considering that's the fewest points University has scored all season.
Despite the loss, University still got an impressive performance from Malik Rich, who dropped a double-double on 16 points and ten rebounds. Another player making a difference was Ka'Ron Wright, who scored five points along with five rebounds and five steals.
Even though they lost, University smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 14 offensive rebounds. That's the most offensive rebounds they've managed all season.
Academy of Science and Innovation got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Ibrahim Sidik out in front who scored 16 points along with nine rebounds and two blocks. Sidik hasn't dropped below two blocks for four straight games. Amari Cruz was another key contributor, scoring 17 points.
University's defeat ended a three-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 5-3. As for Academy of Science and Innovation, the victory (which was their seventh in a row) raised their record to 10-1.
University will get a bit of extra time to process the loss as their next game is a ways off. They'll take on Academy of Aerospace and Engineering at 6:00 p.m. on January 30th. The matchup should be an exciting one, as these teams are ranked near one another in Connecticut (Academy of Aerospace and Engineering is ranked 89th, while University is ranked 111th). As for Academy of Science and Innovation, they will be playing in front of their home fans against Capital Prep at 5:30 p.m. on Monday. That game will pit two of the most dominant guards against one another: Amare Cockfield and Jamal Kulaib.
