The #21-ranked Dickinson Men’s Basketball team fell to Cabrini College in their home opener this past Saturday night at the Kline Center 87-82. The Red Devils fought their way back from a 19-point deficit but were unable to pull out the victory against a strong Cavalier squad.

Cabrini took the lead from the get-go as Dickinson quickly fell behind 15-2. Dickinson struggled to cover guards Ivan Robinson and Daryl Bagwell who were particularly impressive from behind the arc and when driving to the basket. Dickinson got into early foul trouble and suffered from 12 first half turnovers to give Cabrini a sizeable 41-33 lead at the half.

Coach Seretti and his players were certainly able to make some key half time adjustments. Sharpshooter Brandon Angradi ’16 began the half with two big threes for 6 of his 8 points. Yet Cabrini stayed strong and extended their lead to nineteen, 63-44 with just under fourteen to play. Preseason All-American Ted Hinnenkamp ‘16 then helped lead the Red Devils back, cutting the Cavalier margin to a mere six points with 5:03 remaining.

The Red Devils also saw key contributions from their new first year class as Jule Brown ’19 and Elijah Wright ’19 were clutch down the stretch. Brown was able to assist Justus Melton ’18 on a drive to the basket, which ended in a pair of free throws. Wright knotted the game at 78 apiece off of a layup with 2:35 left to play as Dickinson seized all momentum. 

The game was back and forth from then on, becoming a highly contested battle between the two perennial NCAA powers. With just nine seconds left and down by three, Dickinson had one last shot to tie things up. Off of a play drawn-up from Coach Seretti out of the break, Angradi had a decent look from three but could not connect.

Hinnenkamp led the Red Devils with a double-double of 21 points and 10 rebounds. The underclassmen came out strong with 16 points from Brown, 8 from Wright and 14 from Melton.

Given the youth of the team, it will be interesting to see how they fare as the season progresses. Dickinson struggled on the boards against a more physical Cabrini team. They certainly missed the presence of graduated big men Gerry Wixted ’15 and Steve Collins ’15. 

Dickinson travels to Stevenson College Friday for the Hoopsville classic. The Red Devils will tip off against the Mustangs Friday before facing St. John Fisher on Saturday afternoon.