Box Score Location: Fred Razik Arena (Wilmington, Ohio)
Basics:
Mount St. Joseph (1-0, 0-0 HCAC) traveled an hour north on I-71 to Wilmington, Ohio to take on the Quakers of Wilmington College to kick off the 2016-17 regular season. The Lions would ride a solid defensive effort to the help them escape with a 58-48 victory.
How it Happened:
In the early going the game was a bit hectic, as the pressure defense played by the Quakers had the Lions a little frazzled. Wilmington got on the board first with a 2-point layup coming off of the heels of the Lions 1st of 17 turnovers. The Lions tied the score quickly as Adam Goetz scored his first collegiate basket on a nice layup.
The first half was a back an forth affair that had seven lead changes, as the teams were trying to find their rythym. Late in the first half the Lions were able to begin gaining control as the led the way for the final 5:00 minutes of the half. Andrew Finley led the way in the first 20 minutes, scoring nine points and pulling down two rebounds.
Early in the second half it was much more of the same as the score remained within three points for the first 10 minutes of the half. Mount St. Joseph was able to get themselves in the bonus early in the second half. The took advantage of that and over the next four minutes of action the Lions were able to stretch their lead out to a game high 11 points, doing much of their damage from the free throw line.
The Lions were able to ice the game down the stretch going 8 of 9 from the free throw line over the games final 3:18 to pull out the victory.
Standouts:
Jordan Henry led the way offensively for the Lions scoring 14 points, going an impressive 7 of 9 from the charity stripe.
Junior forward Erik Edwards notched a double-double scoring 13 points and pulling down an impressive 11 boards.
The Lions entire team were defensive standouts, holding Wilmington to 48 points on 29.9% shooting(16% from 3-pt), while getting 2 blocks and 4 steals. They also dominated the glass out rebounding the Quakers 47-38.
Up Next:
The Lions host their annual Tip-Off Classic this weekend in the Harrington Center. The weekend will be highlighted by the match-up with 11th ranked John Carroll, Saturday night at 7:00 pm. Also on Saturday at 5:00 pm Hanover squares off with Piedmont.
On Sunday the Lions face Piedmont at 1:00 pm and Hanover faces John Carroll at 3:00 pm
Come early be loud and GO LIONS!!!!!
