Sharon, Pa
The Shenango Men's basketball team returned home on Tuesday to host the visiting Gray Wolves of Lourdes University.
This season The Lions have showed much promise vs. NCAA opponents. They defeated Thiel and gave Westminster a run for their money in the Buzz Ridl Classic only a few short weeks ago. Last night The Lions once again showed much might against a tenured and talented Lourdes team.
The Lions took an early 9-8 lead in last night's contest forcing an early timeout by the visitors. The timeout lit a fire under the Pack as they shot 53.8% (their season average) from the field and went on a 23-3 run. Shenango struggled against Lourdes height (only two players on their entire roster are under 6') and precision passing. McRay White and Nick Welch created several turnover opportunities that led to Gray Wolves Points and Lourdes led 46-26 at the half.
Shenango came out on fire in the second half. Malik Davis stood tall in the paint. He grabbed 11 boards and scored a team high and career high 28 points to lead all scorers. Lourdes had avoided putting Shenango on the Charity Stripe in the first half, but in the second The Lions found themselves on the line and delivered going 11-13 for 84.6%. Jashun Cobb went 2/3 from the line and found another gear to post 20 pts of his own. DiMarius Hill had a strong second half as well, posting 14 of his 16 pts to help the cause. The Lions doubled their first half output with 52 points.
Lourdes was able to notch 71 second half points. Sr. Charles Swain found a few open looks from above the arc and rattled home three from downtown to keep The Lions at bey. The rest of the Pack found success in the paint by grabbing crucial rebounds and connecting on nearly 60% of their shots to complete the 117-78 victory.
Shenango's next opponent will be another home contest on Wednesday, 12/22, as they will welcome Bryant & Stratton College out of Buffalo, NY for a 7:30 tip at the F.H. Buhl Club.