VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – The St. John Fisher University men's basketball team were on the road on Saturday and battled Virginia Wesleyan in day two of the tip-off tournament. The Cardinals were unable to overcome a first-half deficit and fell by a final score of 80-69. Fisher are 1-2 on the season, while the Marlins jump to 3-0.
 
The Cardinals jumped out to an early lead thanks to a three-pointer and a layup by Brendan Trapper. The Marlins pushed back to and reclaimed the advantage seven minutes into the game. The Cardinals kept it close, with shots by Daniel Cook and free throws by Matt Lettko, keep the team within striking distance. However, the Marlins made a late run and at halftime, Fisher were behind 42-31.
 
As the second half moved along the two teams were evenly matched, with the Cardinals not able to catch fire offensively. At the 10:48 mark, Sean Williams was able to cut the deficit to single digits with a pair of made free throws. A Trapper three and Akinlana Popoola jumper helped keep Fisher in the game, but the Marlins once again made a run to extend their advantage. With a minute left in the game, Williams and Gentile were able to get Fisher to within six points, but Virginia Wesleyan was able to convert their free-throws down the stretch and Fisher fell by a final score of 80-69.
 
Trapper finished the day with 18 points in 20 minutes of action. Cook recorded a double-double, scoring 17 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Williams was the other Cardinal in digit scoring, collecting 10 points thanks to 5-for-6 from the free-throw line.
 
Up next for the Cardinals is the Marks Pizzeria Crosstown shoot out hosted by RIT. The Cardinals will take on the University of Rochester on Thursday Nov. 17 at 6 p.m.
 
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