Nov. 7, 2007

BRYANT MEN'S BASKETBALL FALLS TO BYU 83-53 IN FINAL EXHIBITION GAME OF 2007-08 PRESEASON
Bulldogs Open Season at Bridgeport Nov. 17

PROVO, Utah - Sophomore guard Chris Birrell (Scituate, RI) scored a team-high 12 points and dished out five assists as the Bryant University men's basketball team dropped an 83-53 exhibition decision at Brigham Young University Wednesday evening.  The Bulldogs, who shot just 33 percent from the floor and made only 5 of 17 three-point field goals, will open the 2007-08 season at the University of Bridgeport Tournament Nov. 17-18.  The Bulldogs will face Bridgeport on Saturday, Nov. 17 and Post University (Conn.) Sunday. 

Against the Division I Cougars of the Mountain West Conference, the Bulldogs kept it close early as a Birrell jumper early in the first half pulled the Bulldogs to within two at 20-18.  But BYU, led by Jonathan Tavernari's game-high 17 points, would go on a quick 10-0 run to take a 30-18 lead.

A three from senior guard Jon Ezeokoli (South Orange, NJ) helped the Bulldogs close to within 39-27 at the half, but BYU would be too tough in the second half, handing the Bulldogs their second loss of the preseason. The Cougars shot 43 percent from the floor and made 21 of 27 free throw attempts in the game.

Ezeokoli finished with nine points while Jerrann Wright (Cincinnati, OH) added eight points and three rebounds.  Freshman Adam Parzych (Lindenhurst, NY) came off the bench to score seven points while Cecil Gresham (Bloomfield, CT) added six.