Statesmen Drop Season Opener to Ranked Briar Cliff

William Penn University Athletics

Oskaloosa–The new-look William Penn men’s basketball team should have a lot of fun nights this winter, but Thursday was not one of them as it lost its season opener 97-65 to NAIA Division II #9 Briar Cliff.

WPU (0-1) appeared ready to play at a fast pace and above the rim, but the Chargers (1-0) slowed down the home squad and shot the ball well to the tune of 52.2%-40.0% advantage.

In addition to a poor shooting effort, the navy and gold had issues holding onto the ball with 28 turnovers (BCU committed 16 mistakes).

A trio of newcomers was in double figures with Dondre Alexander (Jr., Iowa City, Iowa) leading the way with 18 points, including four three-pointers. Steven Roundtree (Sr., Jacksonville, Fla.) added 16 points and Jessie Pernell (Sr., North Augusta, Ga.) produced 10 in the setback.

Roundtree also pulled down eight rebounds as William Penn unfortunately also lost the battle of the boards 42-38.

Antonio Levy (Jr., Chicago, Ill.) managed an eight-point evening and Josh Caldwell (Sr., Denver, Colo.) tallied six points. Pernell and Levy both assisted on four baskets, while Roundtree, Pernell, and Levy all had two steals.

Next Up: William Penn will remain in Oskaloosa Friday to host Morningside in non-conference action at 7:30 p.m.