Hawkins and Miller Lead Jefferson Past Caldwell to Advance in CACC Tournament
PHILADELPHIA – Behind a dominant performance from
Justin Hawkins, who posted a career-high 26 points and seven rebounds, Thomas Jefferson University men's basketball (16-12) won the rubber match and secured an 84-71 victory over Caldwell University (18-11) on Tuesday night at the Gallagher Center to advance in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) Tournament.
WHAT HAPPENED
- Jefferson came out firing, opening the game on a 19-6 run in the first eight minutes. The Rams shot 60.7% from the field in the first half, including 7-of-12 from three, to take a commanding 51-33 lead into the break.
- Hawkins led the charge with 15 first-half points, while Ashton Miller (13) and Jeremiah Dorsey (12) contributed key baskets during the opening 20 minutes.
- Jefferson tightened up its defense against Caldwell, forcing 21 turnovers and converting them into 23 points. The Rams stayed calm and collected in the last minutes of the game, closing out at the free-throw line, going 17-of-20.
TEAM STATS
FG: 29-of-54 (53.7%)
3PT: 9-of-25 (36.0%)
FT: 17-of-20 (85.0%)
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
Justin Hawkins: 26 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, 9-10 FT
Ashton Miller: 22 points, 4 assists, 2 steals, 8-14 FG
Jeremiah Dorsey: 14 points, 6 steals, 5-9 FG
Derrick Bueno (Caldwell): 25 points, 9 rebounds, 4 steals
CACC TOURNAMENT
Jefferson will now make their 13th straight CACC Semifinals appearance (2020-21 Jefferson did not participate due to COVID-19) and 17 out of 18 since joining the CACC.
UP NEXT
Jefferson looks to defend their title as they compete in the CACC Semifinals against Post University. This will be a rematch of last year's CACC Semifinal game where the Rams defeated the Eagles 70-58. Jefferson faceoff against Post on Saturday, March 8, at 7 p.m.
