Jan. 4, 2003

Box Score

Springfield, MA - Blue Jay senior forward Steve Adams (Butler, PA/Butler) recorded game-highs of 21 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Johns Hopkins men's basketball team to a 72-69 win over John Carroll Saturday evening in the first round of the Holiday Inn Naismith Classic.

The Blue Jays, who improved to 7-2 this season, will face Springfield College in the tournament's championship game Sunday at 7:30 p.m. John Carroll fell to 6-3 with the loss.

JHU led 30-24 at the half and twice extended its advantage to eight early in the second period, but the Blue Streaks responded with a 15-3 run to take a 41-37 lead with 13:39 left. JHU junior forward Matt Righter (Clarion, PA/Lawrenceville Prep) then hit consecutive three-pointers to give the Blue Jays the lead back.

Neither team led by more than three over the ensuing 11 minutes, and John Carroll's Jerry Angel hit a three-pointer to tie the game at 61-61 with 2:25 remaining. However, Adams hit one of two free throws and senior guard Brendan Kamm (Avon, NJ/Somerville) hit two with 57 seconds left to put Hopkins up 64-61.

The Blue Streaks cut the lead to two three times in the final 37 seconds, but the Blue Jays hit 11-of-12 free throws in the final minute, including 4-of-4 by senior forward Jay Kreider (Sykesville, MD/River Hill) in the final 13 seconds, to seal the victory.

Hopkins senior center Mike Blaine (Washington, DC/Bishop Ireton) finished with a season-high 12 points, while Kreider added 11 points and nine rebounds.

Angel led the Blue Streaks with 14 points, while Jason Pecjak added 13 and David Gibbons recorded 11 points and nine rebounds.