Statesmen Hit School-Record 21 Three-Pointers in Defeat of Crossroads
Blake Walker deposits two more points against Crossroads (Minn.) 127-62
Oskaloosa–Eight different players struck gold from deep as the William Penn men’s basketball team sprinted past Crossroads (Minn.) 127-62 in the opener of the Thanksgiving Holiday Classic Friday.
The Statesmen (10-0) scored the first 11 points in just 1:59 and never looked back, eventually leading 69-29 at intermission.
The hosts outshot the Knights (2-5) 61.0%-34.6% and forced 29 turnovers, which were converted into 40 points. WPU committed only 12 giveaways.
Every player in the navy and gold scored, headlined by 18 from Taylor Stoutner (Sr., Keota, Iowa, Physical Education). The senior hit a team-best six trifectas, while seven of his teammates connected on at least one to help William Penn to a grand total of 21. The tally was two more than the previous program mark of 19 set just 17 days earlier against Nebraska Christian.
The unselfish Statesmen dished the ball all around, tallying another school record with 41 assists. The old mark of 39 came against Grinnell in 2009-2010.
Keith Steffeck (Sr., Marion, Iowa, Physical Education) was next with 16 points, while Davis Spielbauer (Sr., Wapello, Iowa, Physical Education) had 14 points (4-of-5 3-PT). Arman Rasul (Sr., Chicago, Ill., Sociology) matched Spielbauer with 14 points in addition to a squad-high eight rebounds.
Lamonte Jenkins (Fr., Lake Charles, La., Business Management) added 13 points, while Kevin Fay (Jr., Hennepin, Ill., Education) contributed 12 points. Brandon Beasley (Sr., Indianapolis, Ind., Physical Education) and Ross Howe (Jr., State Center, Iowa, Undecided) reached double figures as well, with 11 and ten points, respectively.
Blake Walker (Jr., Rose Garden, Ga., Physical Education) just missed a double-double with nine points and a WPU-best ten assists. James Devlin (Sr., Tampa, Fla., Sociology) scored only five points, but recorded eight assists and a team-high five steals.
William Penn dominated despite losing the rebounding battle 43-41.
Next: The Statesmen conclude the Classic by meeting Central Christian (Mo.) Saturday at 3 p.m. The Saints fell to Presentation (S.D.) 96-49 in Friday’s first contest.
