William Penn Defeats Another GPAC Program to Start 2-0
William Penn University Athletics
Sioux City–One of the best, if not the best, leagues in NAIA Division II is the Great Plains Athletic Conference, but the Statesmen basketball team was not intimidated on the road by taking down another league member with a 78-72 decision over Briar Cliff.
#19 William Penn (2-0), who knocked off Morningside Friday night, showed big on the defensive end in holding the Chargers (1-1) to 33.3% from the field (30.3% in second half). Briar Cliff’s returning First-Team All-American Jake Shipley was also limited to only nine points on 2-of-12 shooting (five turnovers).
It is the first time in three years the program has opened with back-to-back wins.
The Statesmen sprinted out to a 17-7 advantage, but struggled late to trail 36-32 at intermission (30.0% FG).
The visitors fortunately heated up after the break, improving to 53.3% (40.0% overall).
It had to get worse before it got better, though, as the deficit increased to as much as 11 at 49-38. The navy and gold then slowly pulled closer, finally recapturing the lead at 68-66 with 3:26 remaining. They never trailed again.
Brandon Beasley (Sr., Indianapolis, Ind., Physical Education) topped all participants by posting his second double-double in a row with 25 points and 11 rebounds. He was 8-of-17 from the floor, but had issues at the free-throw line (9-of-17). William Penn finished 18-of-34 at the stripe, while the Chargers were able to stay close with a 24-of-31 performance.
Beasley’s all-around afternoon also included three steals, three blocks, and two assists.
Kevin Fay (Jr., Hennepin, Ill., Education), with 15 points, and Arman Rasul (Sr., Chicago, Ill., Sociology), with 13 points, also hit double figures. Rasul stole four balls in the win.
Blake Walker (Jr., Rose Garden, Ga., Physical Education) contributed eight points, while Keith Steffeck (Sr., Marion, Iowa, Physical Education) managed six points. James Devlin (Sr., Tampa, Fla., Sociology) dished out three assists in the victory.
“This was a grind, but we made just enough free throws down the stretch to win,” Head Coach John Henry said. “I was very pleased with our defensive effort, especially in holding their All-American Jake Shipley to 2-of-12 shooting.”
“We had a lot of great efforts today,” Henry added. “Although we have not yet gelled offensively, it is way better to win while learning than the other way. To travel so far and beat two quality teams, especially out of the GPAC, we are very happy with this weekend.”
Next: William Penn returns to Oskaloosa Tuesday for its home opener, hosting Faith Baptist Bible in non-conference action at 7 p.m.
