Bosek Breaks Scoring Record as WPU Outguns Grinnell 151-134
Shane Bosek missed just twice in 27 attempts for a new school-record 52 points. Here Bosek scores 2 off the feed from Mike Aldeman.
The William Penn University Men’s Basketball team defeated Grinnell 151-134 in non-conference play Tuesday.
Oskaloosa–A shootout was expected and the two high-scoring programs did not disappoint as the Statesmen men’s basketball team defeated Grinnell 151-134 in non-conference play Tuesday.
In a game that broke school records for points and field goals made (65), #21 WPU (11-4) took what it was given from the Pioneers (4-5) as layups and dunks also helped the home team destroy its mark for field-goal percentage at 78.3% (65-for-83).
Shane Bosek (Jr., Lowry, Minn., Physical Education) enjoyed the up-and-down affair the most as he finished most of William Penn’s fast breaks, tallying a program-record 52 points on 25-for-27 shooting. The junior broke the old single-game record of 49 points held by Gerald Reece (1980-1981) and Steve Burton (1966-1967).
Grinnell pulled out to a 9-5 lead just 1:04 into the evening, but WPU went on a 10-2 run and never trailed again. The visitors, who entered averaging an NCAA Division III 117 points per game, were not going to go down without a fight and tied the contest several times in the first half and trailed just 70-64 at intermission.
The navy and gold shot an even better 80.0% in the second stanza to spend the final nine-plus minutes ahead by double figures. Grinnell platooned 19 players in attempts to wear down the ten-player strong Statesmen; it worked in one aspect as their feisty defense forced 27 WPU turnovers. William Penn came up with 19 takeaways, good for 32 points.
The hosts held a 50-48 margin in rebounds, but had to overcome a rough night on the defensive glass as GC had 29 offensive rebounds for 29 points. Bosek was not just spectacular in the scoring column, but also in corralling rebounds with a team-high ten.
Not to be totally outdone, Oliver Wells (Sr., Cedar Hill, Texas, Business Management) finished with a near triple-double of 31 points (14-for-19 FG), 13 assists, and seven rebounds. Alec Schwab (Sr., Peru, Ill., Business Management) also came up big with 26 points (10-for 16 FG), including making the only two Statesmen three-pointers (WPU was 2-for-6). In contrast, the shoot-first, think-about-it-later Pioneers heaved up 73 trifectas (114 total shot attempts), connecting 25 times behind the arc.
Erik McGee (Sr., Oskaloosa, Iowa, Elementary Education) also reached double digits with 13 points (made all six shots), while Kelly Madison (Sr., Des Moines, Iowa, Physical Education) narrowly missed the mark with nine points.
“Shane was amazing tonight,” Head Coach John Henry said. “I am very proud of our guys for following the game plan. They prepared well and it paid off. Our scout team of redshirts was awesome in getting us ready and they deserve credit as well.”
Next Up: William Penn finishes off its pre-holiday slate Saturday by traveling to Bellevue, Neb. to face #9 Bellevue (Neb.) at 3 p.m.
