Mark Doran scored 25 points in his last career home game and Ernst Jean added a career-high 22, but it wasn’t enough for the Beacons in an 89-83 loss to Keene State Saturday afternoon at the Clark Athletic Center.
Doran shot 6-8 from beyond the 3-point line, which was impressive, but especially because the 6’5″ Doran started at power forward. Jean was on fire from the floor, shooting 8-13 in the contest and contributing 7 rebounds for the Beacons (2-23, 1-13 LEC).
However, both players’ efforts weren’t enough to stop junior Tyler Kathan and the Owls (15-10, 8-6 LEC). Kathan scored 25 to match Doran and added 10 rebounds. Kathan wasn’t the only Owl to register a double-double, as Travon Little scored 15 with 14 rebounds. The offensive balance proved too much for the Beacons, as Keene State grabbed 31 offensive rebounds.
Star Beacon Amigo Paniagua added 7 points, 7 rebounds and 4 steals, but was clearly bothered by a groin injury that had kept him out of the previous 3 contests. “I wish I was 100 percent so that I could have helped a little more,” the senior said. “We played hard, and we almost came off with the win.”
Despite facing a talented Owl squad, the Beacons outscored Keene State 53-46 in the second half, which included two inspired comeback attempts. With 14 minutes left in the game, the Beacons ripped off a 9-0 scoring stretch that cut their deficit to three, thanks to six points from Jean. However, Keene State responded immediately, stretching their lead to eight.
Once again, the Beacons responded, going on a 15-9 run led by Doran and Jean, who combined for 9 points. This brought the Beacons within four points with 5:49 left in the game. However, that’s as close as the game would get, as the Owls once again crafted their own run that sealed the victory.
Because senior guard A.J. Titus was granted a medical redshirt from the NCAA, the only Beacons playing their final home games were Doran and Paniagua. While the young Beacons should improve next year with experience, they will lose two of the best leaders in recent memory.
Paniagua is one of the best players in the Little East Conference, and displayed grit and leadership as he battled through his injury in a gutsy performance against the Owls. While Paniagua was injured, Doran raised his game, averaging 20 ppg in his final four games, leading the Beacons with intensity and hustle.