Men’s Basketball Heads to Williams Tip-Off Tournament Over the Weekend

BOSTON – After winning its first season opener in four years, the Suffolk men's basketball team takes its talents on the road for the first time in 2017-18 as the Rams head to Williamstown, Massachusetts, this weekend for the Williams Tip-Off Tournament. Action for the blue-and-gold gets underway Friday, Nov. 17 versus Stevens at 8 p.m. with the winner advancing to the championship Saturday, Nov. 18 where it will take on either tournament hosts Williams or Salem State.

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LAST TIME OUT
Thomas Duffy had a standout start to his sophomore season as his career-high 25 points led Suffolk men's basketball to a 75-67 season opening victory over Brandeis Wednesday night inside a standing room only Regan Gymnasium.

MORE READING: Duffy's Career Night Helps Men's Basketball Team Down Brandeis, 75-67, in Season Debut

OPENING NIGHT NOTES

Day one of the 71st season of Suffolk basketball featured multiple firsts for the blue-and-gold:

• Suffolk won its first season opener in the Jeff Juron era, which began in the 2015-16.
• The season debut victory is the first since tipping off 2013-14.
• Suffolk defeated Brandeis for the first time under Jeff Juron, marking the sixth ever win over the Judges by the Rams and first time the blue-and-gold took down Brandeis in 16 years with their last win coming by a 78-75 decision Dec. 4, 2001.
• The eight-point win over the Judges on opening night marks the largest margin of victory over Brandeis in the series history, which dates back to 1968.

RAMS FROM DOWNTOWN
Suffolk used its sharp shooting behind the arc to capture its season opener. The Rams knocked down 12 threes, tying the second-most triples in the Jeff Juron era, shooting 41.4 (12-29) percent from behind-the arc. Thomas Duffy and Michael Hagopian each produced four to lead the way with Brendan Mulson, Cameron Powers, George Grillaski and Jamal Fiin all hitting one shot from downtown apiece.

CAREER NIGHT
Thomas Duffy put together a career nigh versus Brandeis producing career best numbers in field goals made (9), three-point field goals made (4) and points (25).

DUCKS DYNAMICS
Stevens slipped up in its season opener 77-73 to New Jersey City. 

Four different Ducks produced double figures in points while Thomas Cook's 14-point, 11-rebound double-double effort led the way on day one for Stevens. Jayson Winick's 18 points paced the offense with Spencer Cook (12 points) and Dylan Walsh (10 points) rounding out the quartet of Ducks with double digits. 

Bobby Hurley is in his second decade as the head coach of Stevens with five 20-win seasons.

INSIDE THE SERIES
Suffolk and Stevens will meet for the first time in program history Friday night.  

EYES ON THE GAME

WHAT'S NEXT?
Suffolk's next match depends on the outcome of Friday evening. If the Rams win they advance to the Williams Tip-Off Tournament Championship where they will play the winner of Salem State and tournament hosts Williams Saturday, Nov. 18. The losers of both Friday contests will take the hardwood at John Wesley Chandler Athletic Center in the consolation game.