Ellison's career-high 35 not enough as Men's Basketball falls to Caldwell

SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts - The American International College men's basketball team lost a high-energy 100-92 decision against Caldwell University on Sunday, November 26.

AIC is now 3-3 overall and remains 1-1 in Northeast-10 Conference play.

The game's first six points were all at the free-throw line, with Jalen Jordan accounting for AIC's four, before a Tyrae Washington dunk went through as the first field goal of the contest. Washington added a layup and a triple shortly after, and Ellison added his first seven on a jumper, dunk, and triple, the latter of which gave AIC a 20-8 lead about seven minutes in.

Points continued to flow from everywhere for AIC; Carlos Hubb knocked a field goal down, and Kanye Wavezwa followed with a deep shot. Jacob Barnett added an and-one, and two more Jordan free throws pushed AIC's lead to 30-16.

The Cougars offense came alive in the latter portion of the opening stanza, and a 14-3 run saw AIC's lead shrink to just three, although AIC stabilized somewhat from there, ultimately taking a 49-42 edge into the locker room.

Though other players contributed key plays, the second half's scoring centered around Ellison and Caldwell's Darnell Evans. Each hit impressive shots, both from deep range and from in tight, and Evans netted 23 in the frame to Ellison's 19. AIC led as late as with 5:21 left when Washington finished a pass from Jordan to put AIC ahead 82-81, but the Cougars closed out strong to take the win.

Ellison's 35 was a career high, passing his previous high set eight days prior when he put up 31 at Adelphi. Jordan notched 18 with eight boards and four assists, while Washington scored 11.

AIC returns to NE10 play Wednesday, November 29 against Southern Connecticut State University at 7:30 p.m.