Taylor and Thomas Combine for 32 Points to Send Rider University to MAAC Men's Basketball Championship Quarterfinals
MAAC Sports
ALBANY, NY – The first game of the 2016 MAAC Men’s Basketball Championship saw Rider University defeat Quinnipiac University 60-57. With this win for the Broncs in the opening round, they will now face the 2015-16 MAAC Men’s Basketball Regular Season Champions, the Monmouth University Hawks tomorrow, Friday, March 4 at 7:00 p.m. on ESPN3.
Rider University was led by Jimmie Taylor who scored 18 points in the win. He was 6-for-9 from the field and five-of-six from the free-throw line. Kahlil Thomas had a strong second half for the Broncs. Eight of his 14 points came in the second stanza. He added 12 rebounds to record a double-double.
Quinnipiac fought until the end of this contest and pulled within one when James Ford hit a three-pointer with 18 seconds on the clock to make it a 58-57 game. Following back to back turnovers, Rider secured the ball and the win when Teddy Okereafor hit two free-throws to extend the lead and secure the win for the Broncs. He finished with five points, six rebounds and six assists.
Abdulai Bundu posted 13 points for the Bobcats in the loss. Chaise Daniels and James Ford were the other Bobcats in double-digits. Ford finished with 12 points and Daniels scored 10 points to go along with six rebounds. Giovanni McLean led Quinnipiac with five assists.
The 2016 MAAC Men’s Championship title game will take place on Monday, March 7 at 7:00 p.m. and will air live on ESPN with the winner earning the leagues automatic bid to the NCAA Championship.
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