Statesmen Pull Away Late for 92-83 Win Over Central
A physical game between William Penn and Central may have helped spark a lost rivalry.
Pella–The William Penn men’s basketball team survived its unlucky 13th game of the schedule, remaining perfect with a 92-83 non-conference win over Central Wednesday night.
The #7 Statesmen (13-0) were tied with the Dutch (4-1) at 74-74 with 5:29 remaining, but scored eight unanswered and were not threatened down the stretch. The squads were tied nine times, while the lead changed hands on ten occasions.
The visitors were outshot 44.8%-41.7%, but they more than countered that by scoring 21 points off 23 Central turnovers. William Penn only allowed four points off its 11 errors. A 20-12 edge in made free throws also helped WPU’s cause.
Already a three-time MCC Player of the Week, Brandon Beasley (Sr., Indianapolis, Ind., Physical Education) made a case for another award with a game-high 29 points on 9-of-15 shooting (9-of-12 FT). The senior also posted seven rebounds, five steals, and three blocks.
Taylor Stoutner (Sr., Keota, Iowa, Physical Education) hit five of his team’s 12 three-pointers en route to 15 points. The navy and gold actually shot better from outside the arc than inside (48.0%, 12-of-25).
Arman Rasul (Sr., Chicago, Ill., Sociology) and Keith Steffeck (Sr., Marion, Iowa, Physical Education) both managed 14 points. Steffeck recorded a double-double by also pulling down 12 rebounds, while the Statesmen were narrowly outrebounded 45-44.
Blake Walker (Jr., Rose Garden, Ga., Physical Education) finished just shy of a triple-double with ten points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. James Devlin (Sr., Tampa, Fla., Sociology) contributed six points as well.
“It is good to have the William Penn-Central rivalry back!” Head Coach John Henry said. “We are tired and beat up after playing so many games to start the year, so to come here and win was huge.”
Next: William Penn takes its longest road trip of the year Friday, traveling to Jamestown, N.D. to face Jamestown in non-conference play at 6 p.m.
