WPU Takes Opener of Holiday Classic
William Penn University Athletics
by Wade Steinlage
Oskaloosa–The turkey hangover was a bit tougher to overcome at times for the Statesmen men’s basketball team, but in the end William Penn still picked up an easy 111-75 win over Wright State Lake in the opener of the Wendy’s Classic Friday.
#2 WPU (8-0) outshot the Lakers 52.9%-31.7% and won the rebounding battle 61-41, overcoming 25 turnovers and a 28.6% clip from behind the arc (9.1% in the second half).
The offense sputtered early, yet the hosts still managed to score the night’s first 17 points. WSL (3-9) roared back, though, to pull within eight at 22-14. Fortunately, the navy and gold found their groove with 18 unanswered and the rout was on.
Up 54-30 at intermission, William Penn was able to keep the visitors at a comfortable distance throughout the second half.
The victors were paced by Omar Sherman (Sr., Duncanville, Texas) with 19 points on 9-for-11 shooting.
Mario Manuel (So., Des Moines, Iowa, Sports Management) guided a 56-point effort by the Statesmen bench as he scored 15 points; the sophomore blocked three shots as well.
Marlon Alcindor (Sr., Queens, N.Y.) experienced an off night shooting the ball, but still reached double figures with 12 points. The senior found other ways to be productive, including pulling down 10 rebounds for a double-double. Darius Wheeler (Sr., Jonesboro, Ga., Sports Administration) connected on two three-pointers to match Alcindor with a dozen points.
Abrian Edwards (Sr., Austin, Texas) was one point shy of his own double-double, tallying nine points with 11 assists and four steals. Ahmad Pender (So., Chicago, Ill.) added nine points as well, while Q Cager (Fr., Hopkinsville, Ky.) was next on the scoring list with eight points.
TaJuan Johnson (Jr., Chicago, Ill.) contributed seven points on a night when WPU eclipsed the century mark for the fifth time this season.
While they had issues from deep, the navy and gold were strong at the charity stripe with a 13-for-15 performance.
Next Up: William Penn will conclude the Classic Saturday by hosting Shawnee State at 3 p.m.
