Riverdale, NY – After a tough stretch of games prior to Thanksgiving break, the Dolphins returned to action against Connecticut College on the Peter Jay Sharp Center floor on Saturday. The Dolphins had a tough time matching up against the Camels, as they dropped the contest by the score of 75-38, with their overall record now 1-4 on the year. The Dolphins failed to have any player reach double figures. 

The Camels controlled the tempo in the early goings in the first half. The visitors opened the contest converting their first four shot attempts, putting the Dolphins in an early 10-0 hole. CMSV finally got on the board at the 16:50 mark when sophomore Dillon Hod reached the free throw line and knocked down one of two attempts.
Junior transfer DJ Tucker checked into the game with 14 minutes left in the half and did his best to turn the tide. The Boynton Beach, Florida native showcased energy on both sides of the ball, including picking up a pair of steals while grabbing boards on both offense and defense. The momentum began to sway in the Dolphins favor when guard Aaron Darab threw a perfectly lobbed inbound pass to a cutting Tucker, who threw down an impressive alley-oop dunk to make it 16-8 Camels.

Despite their strongest attempts to get on the scoreboard, Connecticut College proved to be too much, as their swarming defense was met with a first half shooting percentage of 60%, including going six of 11 from beyond the arc. The Dolphins would trail the Camels 42-17 at the half.

The second half was similar to the first, as the Camels continued their suffocating zone defense while continuously knocking down big shots. Despite the result, the Dolphins had strong showings from young talent in the final 20 minutes. Freshman Joseph Carrier checked into the game for the first time at the 15 minute mark and finished with seven points, a rebound and a steal while being active in all facets of the game. Classmate Gerard Novello scored his first career collegiate bucket in the waning minutes as he converted a three while getting fouled. 

For the Dolphins, it was Tucker who led the charge with eight points to go along with five rebounds, three steals and an assist. Joshua Cabezudo finished with six points and seven boards of his own. 

Next up for the Dolphins is Skyline Conference action, and they'll be taking part in a semifinal rematch from a season ago when they host Yeshiva University on Monday.