BRISTOL, R.I. –A late push in the second half by the U.S. Coast Guard Academy gave the Bears a 63-54 win over the Roger Williams University Men's Basketball team Tuesday evening.

 

Although CGA came into the game having won its first four games of the season, the Hawks posed a strong matchup, particularly in the first half. RWU shot 48% from the field, while holding the Bears to only 31% in the half. However, the game still remained close, with RWU maintaining a slim 32-29 lead into the second half.

 

The game remained neck-and-neck throughout most of the second half, with five ties and nine lead changes. Neither team could manage a lead larger than a basket over the first 15 minutes of the half.

 

Holding a 50-49 advantage with 7:11 to play, the Bears streaked out on an 8-2 run to go up by five into the final minute of play. CGA's lead proved to be more than the Hawks could overcome, as the team sank its free throws to clinch the victory.

 

Geoff Baranger (Fairfield, Conn.) finished with a double-double, dropping 20 points with 10 rebounds. Dan Gumb (Patterson, N.Y.) scored nine points with nine rebounds.

 

The Bears' Craig Johnson (Medford, Ore.)notched a game-high 23 points with 10 boards. Al Sowers (Monrovia, Md.) finished with 16 while Grant Johnson (Grayson, Ga.) scored 12.

 

Roger Williams (2-2) will hit the road for the first time this season Saturday afternoon, taking on Wesleyan University at 2:00 p.m.