BY TARIQ FISCHER

In print | Published February 24, 2005

Despite relentless play and strong emotions on the court, the men’s basketball team fell just short of a successful comeback at Haverford Tuesday night, falling 92-79. “This was one of the best-played Swarthmore-Haverford games I’ve ever been involved in,” coach Lee Wimberly said of the teams’ impressive display of technical proficiency.

The game started badly for the Garnet, however, as the Fords ran to a 13-2 lead early on. The Tide battled back to within four points of the lead toward the end of the first half, and managed to stay in the game until the final buzzer. “I thought we played really well — they just executed on offense,” Matt Gustafson ’05 said of his final collegiate game. Haverford guard Mike Kelly shot 75 percent from beyond the three-point arc and forward Matt Stein dropped a double-double in the final game of the regular season.

Even with the Fords’ offensive explosion, the Tide trailed by only three points with seven minutes remaining, with help coming from Ian McCormick ‘08, Matt Kurman ’08 and Gustafson, all of whom scored in the double digits. Chris Casey ’07 led the team in both rebounds (seven) and assists (four). Wimberly attributed the even scoring distribution to Gustafson’s ankle injury and the development of younger players. “[Matt] has really had a tough time with [his ankle],” Wimberly said. “It was his choice to try to help the team win a couple of games down the stretch; I respect him for making that choice.”

Gustafson managed to close the season on a high note, earning the first Conference scoring title for Swarthmore in school history. He was voted to the All-Centennial squad second team and ESPN the Magazine’s Academic All-District Team. He is also up for Academic All-American honors. “That’s the epitome of Division III athletics,” Wimberly said.

Gustafson recorded two free throws, his last two college shots, with one minute left to play. “I was sad after the game,” he said. “I don’t really know how to react.” Gustafson was pulled from the game after making his free throws to receive a standing ovation from the Garnet fans, who have had the benefit of watching him punish opposing teams for the last four years.

“I am really proud of this year’s seniors,” Wimberly said. Gustafson, Arthur Chalmers ’05 and Brandon Luzar ’05 are all graduating this year.

The seniors are leaving behind a young but talented Tide basketball team, which will return one junior and 10 underclassmen. Although saying goodbye to Gustafson will be difficult for the squad, there is no lack of talent to carry the Garnet into the future.

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