Sports Reporter
LIMESTONE – Even though the host Eagles started quickly and later were able to whittle a 15-point deficit in the third quarter down to four early in the fourth, the Washburn Beavers proved to be too strong an opponent last Wednesday.
A 26-6 scoring spree in the second quarter was ultimately the difference in Washburn’s 76-52 road victory.
After Aaron St. Pierre’s inside hoop gave Limestone/MSSM a 14-10 lead 45 seconds into the second quarter, the Beavers and their newly-installed “dribble drive” offense went to work. Freshman Mitchell Worcester scored on a conventional three-point play on a drive to the basket before Jordan McLaughlin’s long-range three-pointer 15 seconds later put Washburn on top to stay.
The Beavers kept up their scoring pace after the Eagles’ Josh Forsman nailed a short jumper to make it 20-16. McLaughlin hit on back-to-back shots, while Jake Theriault scored from inside and Connor Fitzpatrick put in two in a row to spread the Washburn lead to 30-18 with 3:20 left in the half. Worcester then scored his team’s final six points, three coming on foul shots, to head into intermission with a 36-20 advantage.
The Eagles fought back, however, on the strength of the inside play of Dylan Caldwell. Down 49-34 with 2:13 left in the third quarter, Caldwell fueled a charge with three buckets in the paint, while freshman Nate Tucker’s three-pointer 1:45 into the fourth quarter got Limestone/MSSM within four at 53-49.
However, three-point field goals 38 seconds apart by McLaughlin and Worcester put Washburn back in control.
“I think we let up a little on defense,” McLaughlin said, “but the fourth quarter has been our quarter, so even though I was getting a little nervous, I wasn’t too worried.”
The sophomore, who finished with a game-high 30 points, said the team’s offense, which is predicated on penetration and kickout passes on the perimeter, has been working well after an opening-season loss at Easton.
“I think it fits every player on our team,” McLaughlin said. “Coach (Randy Norsworthy) has told us this is our offense, and I think he picked the right one.”
Worcester scored 22 points and Fitzpatrick added 14 for the Beavers.
Caldwell had 18 points and St. Pierre netted 11 for the Eagles, who lost for the eighth consecutive time.
Washburn improved to 6-3 Monday by beating Greater Houlton Christian Academy in a game played at the University of Maine at Presque Isle.
Worcester scored 16 points before fouling out midway through the fourth quarter. Fitzpatrick and McLaughlin posted 13 points each, including some big free throws down the stretch.
Staff photo/Kevin Sjoberg
FRESHMAN POINT GUARD Mitchell Worcester drives past Limestone/MSSM’s Nate Tucker and toward the basket during last Wednesday’s game held in Limestone. Worcester had 22 points as Washburn bested the Eagles, 76-52.
Staff photo/Kevin Sjoberg
ON THE RUN – Jordan McLaughlin of the Washburn Beavers heads into the frontcourt on a fast-break chance during last Wednesday’s game in Limestone. McLaughlin had a big scoring night, tossing in 30 in his team’s 76-52 victory.
