Men's Basketball Upends Cairn, 99-79

(box score)

The latest double-double from junior Greg Lawson (Mount Holly, NJ) saw him produce eight points during the decisive run as Widener remained unbeaten with a convincing 99-79 triumph over Cairn (formally Philadelphia Biblical) at Schwartz Center.

The Pride used a 16-4 run in just over 5 1/2 minutes to turn a three-point lead into a 63-48 contest with 12:02 remaining. Lawson scored the last four points in that spurt, including a put-back of an offensive rebound.

Lawson, who finished with 22 points on 10-of-18 shooting and 16 rebounds, simply could not be stopped in the second half by amassing 20 points and 12 rebounds in that span. Lawson, who made the all-tournament team last week during the Widener Tip-Off for Autism Awareness, has dating to last season the Pride's last seven double-doubles.

The 22 points matches his career high from February 6, 2013 at Elizabethtown.

Junior Mark Pryzbylkowski (New Egypt, NJ) also went on a tear, scoring 10 of his career-best 19 points in the second half for the Pride. Seniors Rob McPherson (Bowie, MD), Andrew Radomicki (Media, PA) and Connor Dean (Woodbine, NJ) all poured in nine points apiece.

Widener in the second half shot 54 percent (20-of-37) from the field to take control and hit 52 percent (36-of-69) overall. The Pride improved to 3-0 for the fourth time in seven years.

Tyler Lee had 18 points and 10 rebounds, Omar Askia scored 16 points and JD Zamroz added 13 for the Highlanders (0-2), who were held to only 40 percent shooting (29-of-73).

The victory was the 200th career for Widener coach Chris Carideo, who moves to 200-128. The eighth-year leader for the Pride is 114-77 here, sitting third in Widener victories behind C. Alan Rowe (536) and Dave Duda (143).

"I thought our win versus Cairn University was a very good team win," Carideo said. "What I really like about our team right now is that on any given night someone else can step up and give us a lift. Tonight Mark, Connor and Greg did a great job, Mark made his open shots and ran the team well while he was in there, Connor made some shots and ran down some loose balls, and Greg was a huge presence in the paint. Winning game number 200 is a flattering accomplishment. I'm overwhelmed with the outpouring of congratulations from many people. I have had many great players and assistant coaches that have contributed to those wins as well. I'm mostly excited right now for our current team and getting off to a good start to the season."

Widener embarks on a four-game road trip Friday, when it battles Utica at the Hamilton Invitational in Hamilton, NY. Game time is 5:00 pm.

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