William Penn Loses First Game of Year
William Penn University Athletics
Bellevue, Neb.–The Statesmen basketball team finally suffered its first setback of the 2012-2013 season with an 82-71 decision to #19 Bellevue in non-conference action Friday.
#6 William Penn (14-1) struggled shooting the ball, dropping the battle 45.9%-33.7%, including hitting just 28.6% of its first-half shots.
The visitors led a few times early and were tied at 28-28 with 4:44 remaining until break. The Bruins (7-4) closed out the stanza with 12 of the final 15 points, though, for a 40-31 edge. The navy and gold unfortunately were never within five points again.
Brandon Beasley (Sr., Indianapolis, Ind., Physical Education) attempted to single-handedly keep his team perfect, going 11-of-21 for a game-best 26 points. The only player in double figures, he also pulled down nine rebounds and was one of three players with two steals.
Kevin Fay (Jr., Hennepin, Ill., Education) was the next highest scorer with nine points, while Blake Walker (Jr., Rose Garden, Ga., Physical Education) added eight in addition to a team-best five assists. Taylor Stoutner (Sr., Keota, Iowa, Physical Education) finished with six points as well.
Besides the poor shooting performance, an aggressive William Penn squad was also whistled for 24 fouls (16 for BU). The Bruins finished 19-of-28 from the free-throw line, while The Statesmen were only 9-of-18.
A 53-46 rebounding edge, including 22 offensive rebounds, helped keep the Statesmen close. Led by Lamonte Jenkins (Fr., Lake Charles, La., Physical Education) with ten boards, William Penn owned a 21-10 edge in second-chance points.
The navy and gold also committed just 13 turnovers, while forcing 16 Bellevue mistakes.
“We were not very good tonight,” Head Coach John Henry said. “We need a break to rest and regroup, so the next few weeks will be really nice for us. We will be fine.”
Next: William Penn takes by far its longest break of the season, not returning to action until December 28-29 to compete in the Northwestern Classic. On Friday the 28th, the Statesmen meet Hastings (Neb.) at 4 p.m., and then face #9 Northwestern Saturday at 6 p.m.
