Statesmen Rally for Fifth Straight
Forced out of its high-tempo system and playing without one of its top scorers, the William Penn men’s basketball team still found a way to keep its winning streak intact by slipping past non-conference foe Friends (Kan.) 81-73 Friday.
Coach Henry postgame interview at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Hf2pUJqq2U
Oskaloosa–Forced out of its high-tempo system and playing without one of its top scorers, the William Penn men’s basketball team still found a way to keep its winning streak intact by slipping past non-conference foe Friends (Kan.) 81-73 Friday.
With Kelly Madison (Sr., Des Moines, Iowa, Physical Education) held out of action (coach’s decision), the Statesmen (5-2) outscored the Falcons 13-3 in the final 4:52 to win yet again. WPU, which outshot Friends (1-6) 41.3%-38.0%, overcame allowing 13 three-pointers (11 for the hosts).
The navy and gold trailed 42-38 at halftime in a contest that included eight ties and ten lead changes. Still behind 50-45, the home squad went on an 11-2 run. William Penn remained ahead until an 11-3 run gave the Falcons the edge on last time.
Fortunately, a three-point play by Oliver Wells (Sr., Cedar Hill, Texas, Business Management) put the Statesmen ahead for good at the 4:31 mark. Wells, who tallied 18 points, was incredible in all facets, adding ten assists and nine rebounds to finish only one board shy of a triple-double.
Alec Schwab (Sr., Peru, Ill., Business Management) started slowly, but warmed up to manage a game-best 31 points on 9-for-18 shooting (6-for-13 3-PT, 7-for-9 FT). Antione Howard (Jr., Milwaukee, Wis., Physical Education) was also in double figures with 16 points in addition to two steals.
Shane Bosek (Jr., Lowry, Minn., Physical Education) contributed eight points, while Sam Sykes (Jr., Houston, Texas, Business Management) blocked two shots. Erik McGee (Sr., Oskaloosa, Iowa, Elementary Education) pulled down 11 rebounds, but the Falcons were stronger overall with a 49-39. FU’s 19-9 margin in second-chance points kept the visitors in the game. William Penn committed five fewer turnovers (13-18) and connected on 12 more free throws (18-6).
Next Up: William Penn finishes off its three-game home stand next Tuesday by hosting Faith Baptist Bible in non-conference action at 7 p.m.
