Strong Rebounding Lifts Statesmen Over Vikings
Des Moines, Iowa–The William Penn men’s basketball took a quick trip to Des Moines for a road matchup against the Grand View Vikings.
The Statesmen came away with a 75-60 victory, improving to 18-1 overall and 9-1 in the Heart of America Athletic Conference.
The scoring started on the first possession as Karmari Newman (Sr., Detroit, Mich., Digital Communication) knocked down a three. The Vikings answered back, but an even distribution on offense saw baskets from Kevion Blaylock (Sr., Houston, Texas, Information Technology), Q Cager (Sr., Hopkinsville, Ky., Wellness and Recreation), and Reyhan Cobb (Jr., Atlanta, Ga., Sociology) to give the Statesmen an early 9-2 advantage.
The hosts stole some momentum back, however, and went on a 15-2 run to take the lead back. The navy and gold rallied to tie it again, but Grand View surged ahead to take an eight point lead.
The Vikings took a 29-21 lead with 4:48 left in the first half, but their offense went ice cold the rest of the way. The Vikings did not make another shot before the break, giving the Statesmen the opportunity they needed to get back into the game. They took advantage, going on a 12-0 run to close out the first 20 minutes thanks to four points apiece from Blaylock, Cager, and Cobb, and entered the break with a 33-29 lead.
At the half, Blaylock led William Penn with nine points and eight rebounds. Cager and Cobb each added six points, while Newman and Malik Edwards (Fr., Drexel Hill, Pa., Business Management) had three each.
Chanze Cruesoe (So., St. Louis, Mo., Business Management) opened up the scoring in the second half, with the Statesmen once again getting points on their opening possession. The Statesmen did not really have a prolonged run to speak of, but continued to pile on points and had built their lead up to 52-37 after only five minutes of the half.
After a slow period of scoring, Malyk Thomas (Sr., Copperas Cove, Texas, Sports Management) got involved with a hot stretch of his own, accounting for six of eight Statesmen, hitting two quick jumpers and then sinking another a few minutes later. Those baskets gave William Penn a 66-51 lead, which proved to be plenty as Grand View did not threaten the lead again.
Blaylock led with 20 points and 12 rebounds, turning in another double-double. Three other Statesmen had double figures as Cager tallied 12 on 6-9 shooting and Newman and Cobb each had 10.
Thomas had a good showing off the bench, contributing six points and six boards, with Josh Watkins (Sr., Chicago, Ill., Sports Management) accounting for six points as well.
William Penn outshot Grand View 45.5%-31.7%, and held a commanding 57-26 advantage on the boards.
“Ugly wins still count as wins,” said Head Coach John Henry.
What’s Next: The Statesmen are back at home Saturday to square off with the Benedictine Ravens. Tipoff for the men’s portion of the doubleheader is scheduled for 4 PM.
