Statesmen Win Third in a Row
William Penn University Athletics
Oskaloosa–The William Penn men’s basketball team had its highest scoring output of the year in a 125-65 win over Faith Baptist Bible in non-conference play Tuesday.
Tyler Stahle (So., Bountiful, Utah, Business Management) was one of six players in double figures as his eight three-pointers (8-for-9 3-PT, 11-for-12 FG) led him to a game-high 32 points. The sophomore made his first seven shots from the perimeter.
The sides exchanged buckets in the opening minute and the Eagles (2-2) stayed close through the first 2:15, trailing just 5-4. The Statesmen (3-4), winners of three in a row after starting 0-4, would not stay quiet for long though. Leading by just one, the hosts went on a 10-2 run and never led by less than six points again. The advantage grew exponentially from there, getting as large as 44 at halftime at 69-25.
William Penn, which outshot Faith Baptist Bible 57.3%-38.6%, hit shots from all over, including finishing 54.3% from behind the arc (19-for-35) and 80.0% at the line (12-for-15). The visitors were limited to only two free-throw tries.
FBB was forced into 21 turnovers, good for 30 WPU points. A massive 52-28 rebounding edge (20-11 offensive) turned into a 22-15 margin in second-chance points.
Alec Schwab (Jr., Peru, Ill., Business Management) matched Stahle by missing only one shot, going 6-for-7 (4-for-5 3-PT) for 16 points. One night after scoring 36 points, Kelly Madison (Jr., Des Moines, Iowa, Physical Education) was limited to 15 points (three three-pointers).
Blake Walker (Sr., Rose Garden, Physical Education), who also had eight assists, and Marc Wilson (Sr., Los Angeles, Calif.) both managed 11 points. Both players also recorded two steals, as did Jesse Utt (Fr., Cowgill, Mo., Industrial Technology).
Roberts Baltruns (So., Riga, Latvia, Business Management) added ten points off the bench as WPU’s non-starters contributed 78 points to the winning cause.
Kevin Fay (Sr., Hennepin, Ill., Education), Logan Alexander (So., Eddyville, Iowa, Undecided), and Mike Aldeman (Jr., Iowa City, Iowa, Education) all managed eight points. Alexander pulled down a squad-best eight rebounds as well. Vonzell Groom (Jr., Baltimore, Md., Physical Education) was scoreless on the evening, but still made his mark by dishing out six assists.
Next: William Penn travels to Sterling, Kan. to compete in the Sterling Classic Friday and Saturday. On Friday, the Statesmen meet Tabor (Kan.) at 4 p.m. They then take on host Sterling Saturday at 8 p.m.
