Easton, PA - Freshman guard Ryan Conrad (Charlotte, NC/ Providence Day) poured in 20 points to lead four players in double figures but Wagner squandered a 10-point second-half lead in dropping an 81-72 decision to Lafayette in the season opener for both teams.

The Seahawks took a 33-32 lead at halftime as sophomore guard Tyler Murray (Ontario, CA/ Eastern Commerce) drained a three-point jumper at the buzzer. Murray's shot capped a 13-5 run to the half.

The Seahawks opened the second half with a flurry of three-point shots, embarking on a 20-11 run to in gaining a 53-43 lead with 14:22 left to play in the game. Conrad and sophomore guard Chris Martin (Sicklerville, NJ/ Apex Academies) each nailed a pair of three-point jumpers during this run.

The Leopards responded with a 13-4 spurt draw to within one point at 57-56 on a three-point jumper by Jim Mower with 10:17 remaining in the contest. Wagner then appeared to re-take control of the game, answering that Lafayette salvo with a 9-2 run of its own, a run that was keyed by a pair of threes from senior forward Doug Elwell (Staten Island, NY/ Monsignor Farrell) and freshman guard Danny Mundweiler (Overland Park, KS/ Olathe East). On Mundweiler's three, he was fouled on his attempt and sank the ensuing free throw for a four-point play to put Wagner up 66-58 with 8:15 to go.

The teams traded baskets until Seahawk freshman forward Josh Thompson (Richland, NJ/ St. Augustine Prep) hit a 10-foot jumper with 3:10 to go to give Wagner its final lead of the game at 70-69 with 3:10 left.

Lafayette then ended the game with a 12-2 run to fashion the final score at 81-72.

Martin wound up with 14 points for the Seahawks who hit 14-of-35 (40%) from three-point range. Mundweiler and Murray finished with 10 points apiece while Elwell and Thompson chipped in with eight and seven points, respectively.

Lafayette center Jared Mintz had a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds while Ryan Willen and Jeff Kari added 15 and 14 points, respectively. The Leopards held a commanding 47-32 edge in the rebounding department while Wagner outshot Lafayette 41%-39%.

The Seahawks return to action on Saturday, Nov. 21 when Wagner hosts Stony Brook in a 7:00 pm start at the Spiro Sports Center. 

BOX SCORE