Mike Buchwald '11 looks to make a play in the Aces' game against Neshaminy on Monday.

LM fought hard, but could not overcome District I contender Neshaminy in the opening game of the Jameer Nelson Classic on Monday afternoon. The Aces had their chances down the stretch, but ultimately fell 63-58 to the sharp-shooting Redskins.

A poor first quarter proved to be the difference. Trailing 18-10 after the first frame, the Aces outscored Neshaminy the rest of the way and had two chances to draw even in the closing minutes. But an Oliver Cohen '10 three-pointer was nullified on an illegal screen and a tough charge call eliminated another possible three-point play. The Redskins sealed the game at the free throw line in the final minute.

Mike Buchwald '11 scored a career-high 13 points and Aaron Staley '11 had 13 points and 8 rebounds to pace the Aces. Cohen finished with 9 points, Matt McKenna '11 and Luke Chambers '11 had seven apiece, JJ Hoffstein '10 chipped in with six and Conor Foote '10 had three points to round out the scoring. The Aces hit a season-high eight three-pointers, shot 80% (8-10) from the free-throw line and had only ten turnovers for the game, but couldn't overcome Neshaminy's torrid shooting. The Redskins were led by sophomore sensation Ryan Arcidiacono (21 points, four three-pointers), an impressive Division 1-level talent.

Once again, the Aces (3-1) were without the services of several key players, but they ignored the underdog role in battling to the end.

Next up for LM is undefeated South Jersey powerhouse Atlantic City on Wednesday at 4:30 PM at Gwynedd Mercy College.

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