Ethan Lin Leads Montgomery Against Notre Dame at Citizens Bank Showcase
coverage by: Nery Rodriguez
In a compelling display of basketball prowess, #18 Montgomery secured a decisive 62-44 victory over Notre Dame at the Citizens Bank Showcase held at Kean University. This win not only highlighted Montgomery's strategic depth but also underscored Ethan Lin's outstanding performance, who led all scorers with 27 points.
The game started with Montgomery setting an aggressive pace, outscoring Notre Dame 19-10 in the first quarter. This early lead was pivotal as it set the tone for the rest of the match. Ethan Lin was particularly instrumental, driving the offensive play with precision and scoring crucial baskets that kept the momentum in Montgomery’s favor.As the game progressed into the second quarter, both teams ramped up their defense, resulting in a lower scoring affair with each team adding only nine points. However, Montgomery's initial lead kept them comfortably ahead as they continued to control the game's tempo.
The third quarter saw Montgomery extending their lead further, with Lin continuing his scoring spree. Bohdan Biekietov and Christian Hill also made significant contributions, with both beginning to gather momentum, showcasing the depth of Montgomery's squad. The team’s cohesive play on both ends of the court allowed them to build a substantial lead heading into the final quarter. In the fourth quarter, Notre Dame struggled to close the gap despite Josh Gatete’s best efforts, who finished with 17 points. Montgomery’s defense tightened, limiting Notre Dame's opportunities and effectively sealing the game with a final score of 62-44.
Ethan Lin of Montgomery was the game's standout player, scoring 27 points. His dynamic play and ability to score under pressure were critical in Montgomery’s victory.
Bohdan Biekietov and Christian Hill supported Lin admirably, contributing 15 and 11 points, respectively, which were crucial in maintaining the lead. After suffering recent losses to Rutgers Prep and Camden Catholic, the Cougars bounce back to grab this win.
Ethan Lin spoke on his performance "we had a tough loss on Thursday so we knew we had to bounce back today... I felt like from the start of the game no one could really guard me so I just went at it"