WPU Wraps Up Homestand with 72-69 Win
William Penn University Athletics
Oskaloosa–Improving a bit each time out, the Statesmen men’s basketball team survived to claim a big non-conference win, dropping Bellevue (Neb.) 72-69 Friday.
William Penn (4-1), which is on a four-game winning streak, trailed 11-6 early. The home team then went on a 12-2 run, and after Bellevue (4-2) tied the score at 21-21, the navy and gold produced another 12-2 run to make it 33-23. The Statesmen eventually led 45-32 at halftime.
The Bruins, who are ranked #8 in NAIA Division II, slowly chipped away at the margin, getting to within one at 56-55 with 11:39 remaining in regulation. Albeit by no more than five points, the Statesmen continued to be on top, until BU finally got the lead at 67-66.
Again behind by one at 69-68, WPU claimed the advantage for good on a bucket by Steven Roundtree (Sr., Jacksonville, Fla., Physical Education) with 2:59 to go.
In a game that included the hosts holding a 38.5%-32.3% edge in shooting, the teams missed their next seven combined shots (also two missed free throws with two turnovers). WPU then finally pushed the lead to three when Brady Burford (Sr., Chicago, Ill., Physical Education) was fouled and hit two free throws with 16 seconds left.
Bellevue had a chance to tie the game, but fortunately a last-second trifecta failed.
Antonio Levy (Jr., Chicago, Ill., Physical Education) had a great first stanza, scoring 16 of his game-high 20 points before intermission. The junior also assisted five times.
Highlighted by four three-pointers, Dondre Alexander (Jr., Iowa City, Iowa, Physical Education) managed a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Burford matched Alexander with a double-double of his own (11 points and 10 rebounds).
Josh Caldwell (Sr., Denver, Colo., Physical Education) just missed joining Levy and Alexander with nine points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks (team had seven blocks).
Jessie Pernell (Sr., North Augusta, Ga., Physical Education) was also in double figures with 10 points in addition to two steals.
The Statesmen walked off the hardwood victorious despite falling in the rebounding (46-44), turnover (19-16), and free throw (BU had 31 tries–made 23; WPU had 21 attempts–made 15) categories.
“Josh and Brady were awesome for us all night,” Head Coach John Henry said. “Our team defense is improving.”
Next Up: William Penn travels to Marshall, Mo. next Wednesday to face Missouri Valley in its Heart of America Athletic Conference opener at 7:30 p.m.
