Cincinnati, Ohio—Today, the Mount St. Joseph University Men's Basketball program played host to Heartland Conference opponent, Anderson University. The Lions entered this contest with a (3-2) overall record, winning their most recent contest against Asbury College. Anderson entered this game with an overall record of (4-2) after dropping their last two games, including a battle with HCAC opponent, Hanover College. In a very physical game, the Mount fell short to Anderson 63-55.
The opening minutes of this game were controlled by the defense of both teams struggling to score. Anderson was able to score the only bucket of the opening four minutes of the game off of an easy layup. At the 16:45 mark Senior Devin Young jump started the Lions scoring, draining a corner jump shot to knot the game up at 2-2. On Anderson's next trip down the floor, they converted on a three-point attempt. This was followed by Willard Cluxton finding Spencer Kinnett for an easy lay-up on the next trip down the court.
At the 14:08 mark Evan Wiehe gave the Lions their first lead of the afternoon as he knocked down a three-pointer, assisted by Young. Following a long defensive run by both teams, Young was able to find the bottom of the rim again, as he got fouled, and finished off the three-point play by converting on his free-throw attempt. This seemed to help the Lions find their footing on the offensive end of the court, on their next trip, Wiehe was able to grab an offensive rebound and locate David Luers for a deep-three. This was followed by Dayne Gardner knocking down a layup as he got fouled after converting on his and-one attempt the Lions had gained a 17-10 lead.
Following a media timeout around the halfway mark in the first half, Wiehe was able to continue his impressive first half knocking down his second three in as many attempts. This saw the Ravens start a small run to close the Lions 20-13 lead to 21-16. Fast forwarding to the 3:48 mark Young was able to connect with Cluxton on a backdoor cut for an easy layup. Anderson was able to quickly respond nailing two consecutive free-throws and making good on an easy fast-break attempt to narrow the Lions lead to 24-20. With the Lions unable to score on the following trip, Anderson was able to convert once again, grabbing an offensive board and finishing at the rim. In a fast and physical first half of play the Lions entered the half holding a 27-22 lead.
Anderson was able to start the scoring again in the second half, scoring on both of their opening possessions. On the Lions third possession of the second half, Devin Young was able to start the second half scoring, as he finished a pretty-post move for an easy score. However the Ravens were able to continue their strong start, claiming a 30-29 lead after a fast-break layup. The lead of the Ravens did not last long, as Young was able to drive to the basket and convert on another three-point play. At this point both teams were locked into a back and fourth affair, as they traded baskets.
With 15:00 remaining in the contest, Anderson knocked down a huge three-pointer, along with an easy hook-shot to extend their lead to 40-32. As the Lions attempted to climb back into the game, Young continued to provide a stabilizing hand, knocking down a pair of jumpers and a layup to shorten the Ravens lead to 44-38. After a stop by the Lions, Luers was able to knock down a pair of free-throws after getting fouled on a fast break attempt.
Following a media timeout the Lions were able to cut the Anderson lead, as Young pulled down an offensive rebound and converted a tightly contested lay-up. After another stop, Young found himself back at the free-throw line knocking down one of his attempts. However Anderson was able to assemble a 4-0 run to gain a 49-43 lead. Young continued his great performance knocking down another set of shots from the charity stripe, to pull the Lions within four. However Anderson was able to knock down another three, to bring the score to 55-47.
In attempt to close out the game, Anderson began pressuring the Lions the entire length of the court, however the Mount was able to assemble a quick four point run thanks to a Wiehe three. With under a minute left to play and Anderson in the double bonus the Lions were not able to climb back into the ball game, seeing Anderson claim the win by a final score of 63-55.
Young was able to continue his red-hot start to this season, turning in a double-double performance with 29 points and 10 total rebounds, leading the team in both categories. Wiehe also turned in a solid performance scoring nine points, as he converted on three, three-point attempts.
Following this game the Lions will be back in action on Saturday, December 11 when they travel to Rose-Hulman. This game is scheduled to start at 3PM. For continued coverage of this upcoming game and all other MSJ athletics continue to follow msjlions.com
