'On This Day' Courtney, Bishop and Ross Net Double-Digits in Tourney Win

'On This Day' is a Wells College Athletics feature series taking a look back on events that occurred on this day, Dec. 19, five years ago in 2015.

SWARTHMORE, Pa. – The Wells College men's basketball team posted a 67-63 non-conference victory over Maine Maritime on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015, on the campus of Swarthmore College. With the victory in the opening game of the Garnet Holiday Classic, the Express move on to the title game.

Freshman Rich Ross scored 17 points for Wells, assisting a team-leading six baskets, while chipping in with seven rebounds. Chris Courtney poured home 11 points while senior Jordan Bishop struck for 10 points. James Feocco posted team-high totals in rebounds (eight) and blocked shots (four).

The Mariners pulled ahead early, scoring the game's first eight points to take an early advantage over the Express. After the early offensive barrage by Maine Maritime, Wells went on a 14-5 run that spanned the game's next 5:09 to take its first lead of the evening, 14-13, after a jumper from Bishop at 10:52.

The Mariners hit a 3-point basket with only 26 seconds left on the first-half clock to create a 38-35 halftime advantage for Maine.

Wells came out of halftime strong, immediately establishing a 39-38 lead following back-to-back free throw makes by Vaughndell Brantley and a layup from Courtney. From there, Wells took the lead for good after Ross connected on two three-point baskets that sandwiched a layup from Feocco. Immediately after the Ross trey, Bishop capped off a 12-0 run by forcing a turnover and burying a fastbreak layup to put his team up 53-43 with 13:22 left in regulation time.

The Mariners fought back, shrinking the Wells lead to 61-60 with 1:24 left in the second half, but Wells saw Courtney make all four of his free throws down the stretch to take the 67-63 win.

Boxscore: https://www.wells-express.com/sports/mbkb/2015-16/boxscores/20151219_wk6m.xml?view=boxscore