UMBC

The Retriever men's basketball team will play its final home game until January 18, when UMBC entertains Santa Clara University, this Friday, December 20 at the RAC Arena. Tip-off is set for 7:05, and the game will be broadcast on WJFK (AM 1300) and TEAMLINE. UMBC has dropped two straight after opening the season at 3-0. But, UMBC displayed dogged determination in its 72-60 loss at Villanova last Friday. The Retrievers led, 29-26 at halftime, and were within 50-46 with seven minutes to go, but the Wildcats managed to stave off the upset. UMBC outrebounded (40-39)a Villanova team which entered the game with a +11.4 rebound margin. Andrew Feeley (14 points, 12 rebounds), P.J. Hatcher (14 points) and Justin Wilson (13 points, 6 boards, 4 assists, 4 steals) paced the UMBC effort. Santa Clara, which defeated UMBC, 59-58, on a Kyle Bailey shot at the buzzer of last year's Cable Car Classic opener, is 4-3 after Saturday's 67-62 win over Nevada. That snapped a three-game losing streak for the Broncs. Bailey leads SC at 13.4 ppg. UMBC has plenty in store for the fans on Friday. All faculty and staff members are invited as guests of the Retrievers, and three original faculty members, Bill Rothstein, Larry Lasher, and Walt Sherwin will be honored at halftime. Free admission is also offered to anyone bringing a canned good to the RAC Arena that night, and the children are sure to enjoy "Santa Dog" and his presents to the young Retriever fans.