Head Men's Basketball Coach Mike Ruane Earns His 400th Career Win With UB's 82-79 Triumph Over AIC

Bridgeport, Conn.-History was made at the University of Bridgeport's Harvey Hubbell Gymnasium on Thursday, when a long-distance, three-point shot by American International's Shyheim Hicks rattled in and out of the basket as the final buzzer sounded giving the University of Bridgeport men's basketball team an 82-79 non-conference win over the visiting Yellow Jackets.  Thursday's victory gives UB head coach Mike Ruane win number 400 of his illustrious career on the Purple Knights' bench.  His overall record in his 21 seasons at the University of Bridgeport is now 400-215, which  places him number two on the school's career wins list behind only legendary head Bruce Webster, who led UB to a total of 549 wins in 34 seasons from 1965-66 through 1998-99.  Mike is now one of only 40 active coaches at the 305 schools at the NCAA Division II level with 400 career victory.

Thursday's win gives the Purple Knights a four-game winning streak, as the team raises its season record to 7-8.  AIC is now 6-10 overall.

Sophomore Tim Dawson (New Haven, Conn.) led the Purple Knights with a game-high 25 points, 23 of which came in the second half of action.  Dawson also added eight assists and three steals on the day.

UB junior Mason Williams (Philadelphia, Pa.) also eclipsed the 20-point plateau scoring 23 points for the winners.

Graduate student Nemanja Zubac (Becka Palanka, Serbia) with 13 points and sophomore D'Andre Collins (Newark, N.J.) with 11 points rounded out the Bridgeport quartet of double-digit scorers.

Junior Malcolm Moye (Hartford, Conn.) led the Purple Knights on the glass grabbing seven rebounds in the contest.

Franklyn Batista led four AIC players in double figures with 21 points.

Up next, the UB men return to East Coast Conference action on Saturday afternoon, as UB travel to Rochester, N.Y. to face Roberts Wesleyan College.  Game time is set for 4:00 p.m

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