Box Score Elsah, Ill. - Tonight, the Principia College men's basketball team took on Illinois College in their regular season home opener. After defeating Maryville in an exhibition game, Principia was excited to play their first regular season game in front of their home crowd. The Panthers took advantage of a raucous crowd and pulled away from Illinois College, earning the 88-68 victory.
Despite the electricity in the building, the Panthers started slow. They fell behind 20-12 midway through the first half.
Jeff Ross was instrumental in getting Principia back on track as he had 10 of Principia's first 19 points. He hit a big three pointer to cut the lead to 20-19. The game was back and forth until the end of the first half, when
Adaku Anumu hit a two pointer to give the Panthers a 34-30 lead going into halftime.
Coming out of the half,
Larry Patterson hit a three pointer for the Panthers to give them a 37-30 lead, and they never looked back. Principia shot a scorching 22-33 from the field in the second half and gradually pulled away from Illinois College. The win was punctuated by an Anumu dunk to give the Panthers a 17 point lead and essentially iced the game.
It was a great team effort for the Panthers, as everybody who played contributed greatly. Principia was led by the 25 points and 7 rebounds of Anumu.
Larry Patterson finished with 21 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds.
Jeff Ross finished the game with 16 points and 7 assists.
Parker Davidson had 12 points and 8 rebounds, to round out the players in double digits.
Principia is now 1-0 on the season and plays again November 19th against Loras College at home in Hay Field House. The game starts at 7:30 PM. Come out and support the men as they look to go 2-0 early in the season.
