Chatham 64-47 Mendham
Chatham defeated Mendham in IHC-Hills Division play tonight in Chatham. The defending champion Cougars improved to 2-0 in conference play and 2-1 overall. Although it’s difficult to tell from the box score, Mendham kept pulling within low single digits during each of the 1st three quarters. Chatham erupted out of the gate for a quick double digit lead, but Mendham stormed back. Each Minuteman was quickly snubbed the Cougars. Mendham was able to get within five midway through the third.
Mendham put up a tough fight for most of the game but in the end, Chatham led by Billy Oliver was too much to handle. In their home environment with their crowd behind them, the Cougars showed a relentless Mendham why it will not be easy to beat the defending Morris County Tournament champions this season. Oliver, the 6-foot-8 senior who has committed to play at Penn State next year, finished with 22 points after a slow start. Mendham kept Oliver scoreless in the 2nd quarter and the senior had seven in the 1st half. Mendham’s leading scorer was Rob Berish, who also finished with 22 points. Josh Toolajian added 14 points for Chatham while Mark Cisco ended up with 10 points for Mendham. Although Chatham led throughout the game Mendham was in contention until the last four minutes, when the Cougars pulled away to win by 17 points.
Chatham (2-1) 15 11 16 22 64
Mendham (1-1) 9 8 13 17 47
