Cold Statesmen Still Nearly Pull Upset with Strong FT Effort
William Penn University Athletics
Cedar Rapids–The William Penn men’s basketball team almost ended #11 Mount Mercy’s lengthy winning streak in a 91-83 Midwest Collegiate Conference loss Saturday.
The Statesmen (15-10, 4-5 MCC) were outshot 44.3%-34.3%, but made 32 out of their 40 free throws to stay in the contest. Mount Mercy improved to 21-3 overall (8-0 MCC).
In a first half that featured ten ties and seven lead changes, WPU led 40-38 with 32 combined points by Alec Schwab (Sr., Peru, Ill., Business Management) and Shane Bosek (Jr., Lowry, Minn., Physical Education). At that juncture, the team was perfect at the charity stripe in 16 attempts.
Up 44-40, the Statesmen could not hold off the Mustangs, permitting a big run that eventually saw the home squad go up 70-56 with 8:55 remaining.
The navy and gold did not quit, however, scoring 14 of the next 15 points to cut the deficit to one point just over three minutes later. Unfortunately, the visitors could never regain the edge, despite being within two possessions until the final seconds.
Schwab finished with a double-double of 29 points and 11 rebounds (13-for-14 FT). Unfortunately, the senior was just one of several unsuccessful perimeter shooters as WPU was 5-for-30 (MMU was 12-for-29). Bosek added 24 points, while Oliver Wells (Sr., Cedar Hill, Texas, Business Management) managed 16 points with six assists.
William Penn was outrebounded 53-46, but committed two fewer turnovers (16-18).
“We had a chance to win late in the game, but the ball just bounced the wrong way against us as it has at times this year,” Head Coach John Henry said. “These kids played hard and our team battled many obstacles tonight. I am very proud of their effort and desire. I truly believe something good is going to happen for this team in the end!”
Next Up: William Penn returns to Oskaloosa next Wednesday to face Ashford in non-conference play at 7 p.m.
