FDU-Florham men’s basketball falls to Lycoming

Fairleigh Dickinson University, Basketball, College

January 9, 2023

Saturday evening, the FDU-Florham Devil men’s basketball team fell short to the Lycoming Warriors, 69-65, yet they left the game with something to build on going forward. During the game, the Devils recorded four different players in double digits. Devils' shooting guard Michael Dabas suffered an injury that forced other players to take responsibility for his role. Prior to the injury, Dabas had ten points and made four out of five shots to close out the first half, however, he ended with 12 points after suffering an ankle injury early in the second half.

"We just talked to our guys about it in the locker room, it’s been an adversity-filled season,” Devils' HC Jeff Slanovec stated in the post-game interview. “More of it today, losing Mikey [Dabas] for who knows how long, but people stepped up.”

In the first half, the Devils struggled to find consistent offense and allowed the Warriors to shoot the ball 45 percent from the field. They had a hard time scoring while also stopping the opposing team from scoring. However, in the second half, it appeared the Devils came out with a different energy and mindset. Although their team was depleted, they continued to have young players step up and carry a greater role than anticipated.

“Proud we had guys step up, but winning is really hard, and winning games against quality opponents like them is even harder,” Slanovec emphasized. “We have to learn how to not lose before we can learn how to win.”

For example, one of the players that stood out was the Devils' sophomore point guard Carson Woods. Woods accounted for only two points in the first half but ended the game with 15 points and three assists. He came out more aggressive in the second half and looked to take over the game for the Devils.

“At the moment, we have a lot of guys out and shots got to come from somewhere,” Woods expressed. “I just wanted to stay aggressive and get my teammates involved and find my shot when it comes.”

Big-Time Players Making Big-Time Plays

In the clutch, Lycoming point guard Steven Hamilton appeared to strike fire and take over the game. It seemed whenever the Warriors needed a big play, Hamilton was either involved or assisting in the play. However, Lycoming head coach Mark Linebaugh had a ton of praise for the Devils' tenacity and energy throughout the game. Although he praised his own team, he also made it abundantly clear the Devils’ record does not reflect how well-adapted and talented this team truly is.

In the first half, The Warriors had their way with shooting 45 percent, but the second-half adjustments forced them to shoot less efficiently than they did in the first half.