WPU Drops Oak Hills Christian
William Penn University Athletics
by Wade Steinlage
Aberdeen, S.D.–The William Penn men’s basketball team eclipsed the century mark once again as it defeated Oak Hills Christian 106-84 in the opener of the Presentation Isreal-Strong Classic Friday.
Despite only shooting 40.2%, the Statesmen (9-0), who entered the game with a nation-leading 115.0 points per game, surpassed 100 points for the eighth time this year. The navy and gold were never threatened as they outrebounded OHC 66-36, leading to a 21-3 edge in second-chance points. They also turned 22 turnovers (19 mistakes for WPU) into a 27-8 margin in points off turnovers.
Tied at 7-7, WPU reeled off 21 consecutive points and eventually led 55-28 at the break. The advantage grew to 40 at 77-37 just five minutes into the second stanza and the victors cruised from there to remain perfect this season.
Much of the contest was spent behind the arc as the Statesmen were 17-for-44, while the Wolfpack finished 17-for-39. Neither crew had much success at the line with WPU finishing at 61.1% and Oak Hills Christian ending up at 58.3%.
A quartet of navy and gold players reached double figures, headlined by a double-double of 21 points and 11 rebounds from Mikeal Donaldson (Sr., Columbia, S.C.). The senior also blocked two shots.
Jovontae Carleton (Jr., El Cerrito, Calif., Sociology) topped the non-starters with 18 points, while Terrell Thompson (Sr., Indianapolis, Ind., Wellness and Recreation) tallied 17 points. Tyler Wood (So., Newton, Iowa, Education) joined the double-digit club with 15 points on a squad-best five three-pointers.
Brandon Trotter (Sr., Louisville, Ky., Kinesiology) produced six points and dished out five assists, while Aakim Saintil (Sr., West Orange, N.J., Business Management) also managed six points in his return to the lineup. Saintil, who has been sidelined with an injury, had not played since William Penn’s season opener nearly a month ago.
JC Washington (Sr., Houston, Texas, Sociology) led all players with 12 rebounds, while Dominique Shaw (Sr., Lufkin, Texas, Wellness and Recreation) stole three passes.
Next Up: William Penn remains in Aberdeen, S.D. Saturday to take on Rocky Mountain (Mont.) at 1 p.m. as part of the Presentation Classic.
