William Penn Falls 94-87 on New Year’s Eve

William Penn University Athletics

Lamoni–Despite a career-best showing from Alan Douglas (Sr., Champaign, Ill., Lakeland CC), the Statesmen basketball team failed to ring in the new year with a win, dropping a 94-87 non-conference decision to Graceland Saturday afternoon.

Down 46-39 at the break, William Penn (6-9) battled back and actually led in the final minute before a strong push by the Yellowjackets allowed the home team (8-6) to come away victorious.

Douglas was 12-of-22 from the field for his career-high 36 points. He also knocked down 12 of his 16 free throw tries and tied two of his teammates with six rebounds.

Taylor Stoutner (Jr., Keota, Keota HS) made a living from downtown, hitting seven three pointers (15 three-point attempts, 16 shots total) en route to 21 points.

Keith Steffeck (Jr., Marion, Marion HS) accounted for nine points (4-of-6 FG) in his navy and gold debut, while Blake Walker (So., Rose Garden, Ga., Campbell HS) and Austin Emerson (Jr., Des Moines, Southwestern CC) notched seven points apiece. Walker recorded five assists and Emerson stole two passes.

The defense struggled in allowing Graceland to shoot 64.8%, while the visitors finished with a 44.9% clip. Offensively, the Statesmen committed 18 turnovers and forced 14 by the Yellowjackets.

William Penn outrebounded its foe 39-27.

Next: The Statesmen host Viterbo Wednesday in Midwest Collegiate Conference action. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.