DAVILA NETS 19 AS MIDDLESEX MENS BASKETBALL TOPS UNION FOR THIRD STRAIGHT WIN

Emanuel Davila scored 13 of his game-high 19 points in the second half and hit key free throws in the waning minutes as Middlesex College topped Union College 59-56 in their first game back from winter break.

The win was the third straight for Winston Smith's Colts squad as the team moved to 7-8 on the season. Union fell to 10-6 with the loss.

Middlesex played its usual staunch defense throughout, holding the Owls to 20 points below their season average.

The teams battled in the first half as Union took a 28-27 lead into halftime. Middlesex was bolstered in the first half by the return of Vishal Patel (Sophomore/Iselin, NJ) who was playing in his first game of the season. Patel scored eight points in the first half, combing with Savion Pressley (Freshman/Woodbridge, NJ) to provide nearly all of the Colts offense in the first half.

Patel and Pressley combined to make 8 of the 11 field goals Middlesex scored in the first half. Pressley hit three three-pointers among his four field goals and finished with 11 points.

The second half remained close with Middlesex leading by single digits most of the way. Union was able to take brief leads of 45-41 and 54-53, but neither lead lasted long.

A key possession came with two minutes remaining as Union took a brief 54-53 lead on a three-pointer at the 2:10 mark. A Middlesex turnover led to a fast break for the Owls and it looked like an easy layup would give Union a late three-point lead. However, a travel call gave the ball back to Middlesex. Patel then hit a jump shot to give Middlesex a lead they would not relinquish.

Two free throws from Davila iced the game in the final seconds for the Colts.

Middlesex is off this weekend and returns to action next Thursday when they travel to Camden County College for a doubleheader with the women's teams.