Elms 77, WPI 61

Box Score

Worcester, MA --- Aswad Thomas (Hartford, CT) led all scorers with 19 points while Ellis Jones (Malden, MA) contributed 13 of his own to lead No. 16 Elms to a 77-61 win over No. 19 WPI in non-conference men's basketball action at Harrington Auditorium on Sunday afternoon.  The Blazers are now 9-0 on the season and have won 19 straight regular season games dating back to last season.

Thomas was an efficient 8-for-15 from the field, including 2-for-2 from 3-point range to account for his season-high 19 points. He also added a game-best nine assists to pace the Blazers' attack. Jones was 4-for-6 shooting on the day and a perfect 5-for-5 from the free-throw line. Juan Galdon (Holyoke, MA) notched 10 points and four assists for the undefeated Blazers.

Elms began pulling away late in the second half, as a 18-4 Blazers spurt over nearly six minutes extended a 50-48 Elms lead to 16 points with just 2:32 to go. Elms was on fire during the run, sinking seven of its nine attempts from the floor during the run that decided the game. Elms' victory was keyed by good perimeter shooting throughout, as they sank 8-of-15 3-point shots, including three from Joe Esile (Milford, CT).

WPI (8-2) was led by Fernando Perez (Lowell, MA) who helped jumpstart the Crimson and Gray with 15 points on 7-for-10 shooting and eight rebounds off the Engineers' bench. Jeffrey Robinson (Granby, CT) added 13 points and four rebounds, while Jerome Kirkland (Boston, MA) chipped in with eight points and three rebounds in a losing effort.  Adam Lirette (Dover, NH) dished out a team-high five assists on the day.

The Engineers struggled from the line for most of the game, making only 7-of-15 (46.7%) from the charity stripe. WPI was active on the offensive glass, converting 14 offensive rebounds into 18 second-chance points. The Crimson and Gray also shot much better in the second half than they did in the first, making 14 of their 26 attempts (53.8%) from the floor after halftime, however Elms shot a blistering 16-for-24 (66.7%) in the second half allowing them to pull away to the final margin.

Sunday's game featured a toy drive by both WPI Basketball programs to help collect toys for the Elm Park Community School during this holiday season. Many gifts were received, including a generous donation from the Elms men's basketball team who donated their meal money for this road trip to the cause.

Both teams are now off until after the Christmas holiday.  WPI is back in action on Wednesday, December 31st with a 4pm contest in Austin, TX against host Concordia.   Elms resumes play on Saturday, January 3rd against Hobart in the opening game of the Regis Tournament. 

Story written by Ray Cotrufo - WPI Athletics Department