The Harding Presidents pushed their score all the way to 63 on Friday, but even that wasn't enough to win. They took a 74-63 hit to the loss column at the hands of Fitch. While losing is never fun, Harding can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Connecticut basketball rankings (they are ranked 116th, while the Falcons are ranked 22nd).
Despite the loss, Harding still got an impressive performance from Guillaume Mulenga Jr., who scored 16 points along with seven rebounds. It was the first time this season that Mulenga Jr. scored 15 or more points. The team also got some help courtesy of Craig Chandler, who scored six points along with six assists and six rebounds.
Fitch was led to victory by Jayvon "JJ" Robinson and Xavier Goode. Robinson scored 22 points along with six assists and six rebounds, while Goode scored 30 points along with six rebounds and four steals. Robinson is crushing the point category: he's posted at least 16 every time he's taken the court this season. Another player making a difference was Nathan Virtue, who scored eight points along with six rebounds and two steals.
Harding has been struggling recently as they've lost four of their last five matchups, which put a noticeable dent in their 4-8 record this season. As for Fitch, their win bumped their record up to 10-5.
Harding will be playing at home against the Wildcats at 7:00 p.m. on Monday. Wilby knows how to get points on the board -- the squad has finished with flashy point totals in its past 14 matches -- so hopefully the Presidents like a good challenge. As for Fitch, they will head out on the road to take on the Lancers at 7:00 p.m. on Monday.
