Basketball Spotlight: Devils Come From Behind to Defeat Post University Saturday, December 4, 2004 By Bob Heller USIP Sports Information Director The USP men’s basketball team used a solid second half to overcome a 10-point halftime deficit to defeat host Post University 85-74 to remain unbeaten in conference play. The win improves the Devils record to 2-0 in CACC games while evening up their overall record at 3-3. Leading the way for the Devils were Chris Brattelli (Sr., Highland Regional HS/Clementon, NJ) and Gene Willard (Sr., Cardinal O'Hara HS/ Broomall, PA). Brattelli scored 21 of his game-high 27 points in the second half while Willard finished the game with 20 points. Eric Cangelosi (So., Camden Catholic HS/ Haddon Heights, NJ) and Chris Dougherty (Sr., Haverford HS/ Haverford, PA) each chipped in 10 points to join Willard and Brattelli in double figures. Trailing 40-30 at the half , the Devils gave up an opening basket to go down by 12, 42-30, before going on a 14-4 run to pull within two 46-44 at the 15:25 mark. Highlighting the rally was four straight free throws by Brattelli courtesy of a shooting foul by and a subsequent technical foul by one of the Post players. After the Eagles scored to back up by four 48-44, Brattelli scored again and was fouled. Chris made the free throw to pull USP within one 48-47. Three minutes later, Willard’s basket put the Devils ahead 53-52 at the 12:09 mark. The Devils then scored six straight points to boost their lead to seven, 59-52. Post pulled within one 60-59 with 7:51 left before The Devils went on a 6-1 run to take a 66-60 lead with 6:51 left. Post again rallied to pull within two 66-64 with 5:10 left in the game. Three Seconds later, Willard made two free throws to make the score 68-64. A 6-0 run gave Post a 70-68 lead with 3:53 left. Dougherty’s basket then tied the game at 70-70 and each team made a free throw before Cangelosi’s baseline basket put the Devils up for good 73-71 with 2:36 left. USP outscored Post 12-3 over the final 1:52 to earn their second straight conference win, 85-74. The Devils connected on 14 of 22 shots from the field in the second half (63.6%), finishing the game hitting 57.5% from the field (23-40). The Devils connected on 37 of 51 free throws while Post made just 13 of 21. Next up for the Devils is a conference matchup with Wilmington College on Tuesday, December 7, 2004.