Goucher Rallies Late but Drops Road Contest to Neumann

ASTON, PA - The Goucher College Gophers (0-2 overall) traveled to take on the Knights of Neumann University (2-3 overall) on Friday Night. The Gophers fell to the Knights 73-59 despite a second-half push.

The Gophers got on the board first, with a layup from Liech Kong just 20 seconds of the game. Neumann responded immediately, silencing the early momentum with a 10-point scoring run. Darnell Morris Jr. halted the run by drawing contact and converting 1-of-2 from the free-throw line. Nine minutes into the half, Kong knocked down Goucher's first three-pointer of the night, but the Knights countered with a 16–1 run to widen the margin. Kong later found sophomore Jack Murdaugh for his first three of the season, trimming the deficit to 20. Out of a Neumann timeout, Chima Egeonu delivered a forceful block to stall the Knights' offense. Murdaugh hit his second three of the half to help spark Goucher's offense, but the Gophers entered halftime trailing 37-20.

Goucher started the second half strong with a 10-4 scoring run coming in the first four minutes. A timely steal from Morris Jr. led to three consecutive made baskets for the Gophers, who continued to chip away at the deficit. Murdaugh found Morris Jr. for a three, which brought the Gophers within seven points of Neumann. Out of a Goucher timeout, the Gophers were able to execute, with Murdaugh delivering another three. First-year Austin Carter added another deep ball as the Gophers pressed to close the gap, but Neumann responded each time, maintaining control down the stretch. A late tip-in from Morris Jr. cut into the deficit, but the Knights' offense proved too strong, securing the win.

Morris Jr. led the Gophers with 15 points, 6-15 shooting, and four steals. He was followed closely by Murdaugh, who came off the bench with 12 points and shot 4-5 from beyond the arc. Carter led the team with three steals, while Egeonu and Morris Jr. capped off the night by snagging seven rebounds.

Goucher shot 38.2% in the contest versus Neumann's 40.7%. From beyond the arc, the Gophers went 11-26, while the nights finished 5-17. Neumann shot 62.5% from the charity stripe as the Gophers shot 60.0%.

The Gophers take on their first conference opponent of the season when they host Catholic in their home opener. The contest will take place at the Decker Sports and Recreation center on Wednesday, November 19^th at 6pm.