Men's Basketball Comeback Comes Up Short to Holy Family on Senior Day

PHILADELPHIA – Thomas Jefferson University men's basketball (15-12, 15-12, 9-7) had the lead after two Justin Hawkins free throws, but an and-one play put the Tigers ahead with 27 seconds to go. The Rams attempted twice to get an opportunity, with back-to-back turnovers costing the Rams the game as they lose 71-69 to Holy Family University (8-20, 2-14) in Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) South Division play. 

WHAT HAPPENED 

• Holy Family had the first half go in their favor, outscoring Jefferson 40-32. The Tigers shot 55.17% on the floor, making 16-of-29 shots, seven of those from beyond the arc. The Rams were 12-of-24 on the floor, going 50%, but 4-11 from three.  

• The second half saw Jefferson produce more offense, getting 37 points to Holy Family's 32. The Rams had an impressive 13-13 from the charity stripe in the second half, going 17-17 on the day 

• Jefferson only went 11-of-24 while Holy Family had 12 of their 24 shots go in. The Tigers led as much as 18 in the second half, with the Rams clawing back in the game. 

• Ashton Miller scored 18 of his 22 points during that comeback run, with Justin Hawkins adding nine points while Sean Fullerton and Farouk Kaba produced five apiece 

• Trailing by two points, Hawkins got fouled twice and went 4-4 at the free throw line to give the Rams the lead. Holy Family Jett Omarion hit his shot with an and-one to get it 70-69 

• A turnover got CJ Mundell to the line, going 1-of-2. Jefferson's last attempts were thrwarted with another turnover, ending their day with a 71-69 defeat 

TEAM STATS 
FG: 23-of-48 (47.9%) 
3PT: 6-of-20 (30.0%) 
FT: 17-of-17 (100%) 

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE 
Ashton Miller: 22 points on 8-of-14 shooting, 6-6 FT, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals 
Justin Hawkins: 13 points on 3-of-6 shooting, 7-7 FT, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks 
Farouk Kaba: 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting (2-3 3PT), 5 rebounds 

SENIOR DAY 
Before the game started, Miller and Troy McGregor were recognized as Jefferson honored their seniors on Senior Day. 

UP NEXT 
The Rams will now set their sights on the CACC Tournament to defend their title. As the #1 seed in the South Division, Jefferson will welcome #4 North Division Caldwell University on Tuesday, March 4 at 7:30 p.m. These two teams have faced earlier this season, with the Cougars taking both contests in tight fashion.