Points Galore in 102-88 Statesmen Win
William Penn's Ross Howe fights for a rebound Saturday in their win over Clarke
Oskaloosa–A contest with Grinnell-esque features, the William Penn men’s basketball team held off Clarke 102-88 in Midwest Collegiate Conference action Saturday.
The Statesmen (9-10, 4-3 MCC) remained in the league hunt by claiming victory in a game that saw players flying up and down the court and firing shots at will. That, or getting fouled at a tremendous rate as the teams combined for 53 fouls and 68 free throws.
The navy and gold captured the lead for good at 26-25 and pulled ahead to an eight-point advantage at the break (47-39).
That is when the real fun began.
William Penn shot 57.1% from the field after intermission, but was also called for 18 fouls, which kept the Crusaders (11-6, 3-4 MCC) somewhat close. The visitors actually trailed by double digits the entire second stanza, but with scoring coming at a frenetic pace, no lead seemed safe until the final buzzer sounded.
Taylor Stoutner (Jr., Keota, Keota HS) and Keith Steffeck (Jr., Marion, Marion HS) guided the Statesmen with 21 points each. Stoutner hit four three-pointers, while Steffeck knocked down three. Davis Spielbauer (Jr., Wapello, Wapello HS) was sharp from the perimeter as well with four trifectas for 14 points.
Steffeck also produced three blocks in the win.
Arman Rasul (Jr., Chicago, Ill., Illinois-Chicago) matched Spielbauer’s point tally and Ross Howe (So., State Center, West Marshall HS) hit double figures with 11 points.
Blake Walker (So., Rose Garden, Ga., Campbell HS) had a great all-around outing with nine points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists.
It was a very good the aforementioned five played so well because Alan Douglas (Sr., Champaign, Ill., Lakeland CC) was again held down, scoring just six points while attempting only three shots. The team’s leading scorer was one of many who found themselves in foul trouble (played just 16 minutes and fouled out with 3:49 left).
A 47-36 edge in rebounding resulted in the home team scoring ten more second-chance points (20-10). William Penn survived despite having six more turnovers (16-10), but ironically actually held a 14-11 edge in points off mistakes.
The Statesmen outshot Clarke 49.3%-45.6% overall and were 21-of-31 from the line (Clarke was 23-of-37).
The century-mark showing is the first for William Penn in MCC action since defeating Iowa Wesleyan 103-78 on January 26, 2010.
Next: The Statesmen travel to Des Moines Wednesday to face AIB in MCC play at 7:30 p.m.
