Gill, Green lift Dukes past Essex in season opening OT win
VINELAND - After a tough 2021-22 season, 5th year head coach Darrin Stalling and staff set out with one goal in mind: to get back to Dukes Basketball. If there was any indication that they accomplished that goal, last night's season opening OT victory over NJCAA D2 Essex County presented to the excited crowd that the Dukes prior season was a fluke. After trailing by as much as 13 points early and 8 points at the half, the Dukes scratched and clawed their way back to within 6 in the final stages of regulation.
They would take their first lead of the game with 1:49 left in regulation on a acrobatic turn around jump shot by Colin Gill to put the Dukes up 64-63. Gill led the Dukes with 21 points. The teams would trade baskets, but neither would get the upper hand as they entered overtime tied at 66. After an early basket by Essex, Gill hit another contested jump shot to tie it at 68. On their next possession, a dribble drive and kick by Ja'Maine Hawkins-Davenport led to a three-pointer by Malachi Green to take a 71-68 lead. Green scored 16 points off the bench and the Dukes never trailed again after his clutch three-pointer. The following possession, Angel Smith would block his fourth shot which lead to a game-sealing three pointer by Torrey Harris. Cumberland would eventually clinch the OT victory 76-72.
In addition to Gill and Green, Hawkins-Davenport scored 14 points and grabbed 6 rebounds as Paulo Villalona followed with 13 points. Torrey Harris and Angel Smith dominated the boards as Smith grabbed 13 rebounds, 6 on the offensive glass, and Torrey Harris snatched 11 rebounds to go along with 6 points. Nasir Bey contributed 5 points during the Dukes second half charge.
Cumberland returns to the Cunningham Center on Thursday, November 10 as they host the 10th-ranked Brookdale Jersey Blues. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 pm.