James Johnson notches 28 points over Robert Morris

James Johnson notches 28 points over Robert Morris

By Angelique Fiske, QBSN Publishing Editor

The all too familiar sight of Velton Jones handling the ball in the last moments of a Quinnipiac (17-12, 10-8 NEC) and Robert Morris (22-9, 13-5 NEC) face-off has temporarily disappeared from the minds of Bobcat fans as the home team defeated the Colonials, 73-69. 

courtesy: quinnipiacbobcats.com

The matinee at Lender Court of the TD Bank Sports Center proved yet again why this matchup is always one of the most highly anticipated games of the season.  The emphasis on this game was even more stressed as it happened to coincide with the Bobcats’ Senior Day.  Senior James Johnson (Queens, N.Y.)  put up 28 points in the victory which very well could be his last in Hamden.

“We’ve had a lot of good players in my short time here, but he cherishes this program, this arena, what we stand for as much as anyone that’s ever played here,” head coach Tom Moore said. 

In mirrored performances, James Johnson and Jones both opened up the first half by putting four points on the board for his respective team – a three-pointer and one free throw.  Jones donned “his Superman cape,” according to Moore and walked away with the point edge on the day, leading all scorers with 29. 

“He’s going to give it 110 [percent], and I’m going to give it 110,” Johnson said.  “I’m lucky my team came out on top today.”

Despite starting four points in the hole, the Bobcats took the lead on the back of six consecutive Johnson scores, and by the time five minutes passed in the half, Quinnipiac had the lead that they wouldn’t surrender until Mike McFadden of Robert Morris hit a buzzer beating lay-up to end the half tied up, 38-38.  The biggest lead of the game for Quinnipiac was the 10-point advantage it held in the first, while Robert Morris could only manage a four point edge in the game’s opening minutes.

The second half exemplified the intensity of such a rivalry, neither team holding too far of a lead over the other.  The final minute of the game drove the stands to the electric reactions expected for a game featured on ESPNU.  While never giving in, Quinnipiac felt the offensive pressure Robert Morris inflicted. 

While in déjà vu like instances, Jones would be on the line as the clock dwindled, this time it was a foul on James Johnson by Jones that sent the latter to the charity stripe. As the crowd anxiously hoped that its senior leader could widen gap more than the two point difference as the scoreboard reading 71-69.  James Johnson, however, missed both free throw attempts.   

Just four seconds later, Johnson was sent to the line again, this time sinking both attempts, dashing any hope for a Robert Morris comeback. 

While Johnson put together a fitting performance for the Senior Day festivities, freshman Ousmane Drame (Boston, Mass.) and junior Garvey Young (Washington, D.C.) provided Quinnipiac with solid performances.  Drame notched 12 points and 11 rebounds in 29 minutes played, while Young had 11 points coming off the bench in 30 minutes played. 

“I thought Garvey Young in the second half gave us a really nice boost.  He had some big plays,” Moore said.  “I think he’s the best sixth man probably in the league.” 

 While Young provided depth in the reserves, Moore emphasized Drame’s role in this game as player development.

“He’s played in this game, he’s experienced this game because he needs to get his butt kicked physically as many times by hungry, tough guys,” Moore said.  “He doesn’t grow as much on a win Thursday night when we’re up by 30 points and a couple of baskets come easy.”

Whether it’s in terms of growing freshman or the playoffs that are just around the corner, the Bobcats have their eyes looking only one direction – forward.  They kick-off the NEC Tournament on Thursday at St. Francis (N.Y.). 

“It’s playoff time, so I have to get my guys fired up,” Johnson said.  “A lot of them are freshmen, so they’ve never played an NEC Champion, so I’ve just got to make sure I lead them.  Lead them with confidence, lead them with energy, and just come out relentless.”