The Bulldogs rebounded from back-to-back losses with an 82-67 victory over Holy Cross on Tuesday.
Greg Mangano ’12 scored the first two baskets of the game, and Yale led by as many as 22 points in the first half. Although the Crusaders cut the lead to 61-57 with just under nine minutes left, the Elis responded with a 16-6 run to put the game away. Mangano scored seven straight points, and then guard Sam Martin ’13 knocked down three-pointers on consecutive possessions to power the Bulldogs’ scoring spree.
Mangano scored a game-high 27 points to continue his hot streak. He has registered 20 or more points in six of Yale’s last seven games.
Mangano also helped the Bulldogs to outrebound the Crusaders by a 43-21 margin. He pulled 13 rebounds to record his third-straight double-double. Center Jeremiah Kreisberg ’14 also secured nine boards for the Elis, and forward Brandon Sherrod ’15 grabbed four offensive rebounds as a reserve.
The Bulldog bench was crucial to Yale’s success, with three players scoring at least nine points. The entire Holy Cross bench managed just ten points.
“Contribution from the bench [was key],” guard Michael Grace ’13 said. “[We will] need the bench to produce when we get to the Ivy League.”
Guard Isaiah Salafia ’14 scored a career-high ten points coming off the bench to spell Grace at the point. Salafia has excelled coming off the bench for the Elis. He is contributing three more points and an assist more per game since coach Jones gave Grace the starting nod. Salafia said he does not mind the arrangement.
“I don’t see it as a [problem],” Salafia said. “[Coach Jones] has faith in me. I still play the same number of minutes.”
Guard R.J. Evans scored 24 points and guard Devin Brown added 22 to lead the Crusaders.
Yale will face the St. Joseph’s College of New York Golden Eagles at home at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.