Box Score Elsah, Ill - Tonight the Principia Panthers took on the Loras Duhawks in a battle of two 1-0 teams. Fresh off their victory against Illinois College on Tuesday, the Panthers looked to continue their good play against a tough Loras team. The Panthers were lifted up by their inspired crowd, coming back from an early deficit to earn a hard fought 68-64 victory.
Last season Principia fell to the Duhawks 66-51, and this game looked no different as Principia fell behind 15-0 five minutes into the game. However, the Panthers clawed their way back into the game with tough man to man defense and some hard-nosed rebounding. Back to back to back threes from
Adaku Anumu,
Larry Patterson, and
Parker Davidson cut the lead to 17-11. After chipping away and finally tying the game up,
Jeff Ross made a streaking lay up to give the Panthers their first lead of the game 23-21. At half time the Duhawks were winning 29-28, but Principia had found their rhythm and looked to carry that momentum into the second half.
The second half was a back and forth affair as neither team could gain an advantage. Loras eventually took a six point lead with 6:11 left in the game. A three pointer by Anumu cut the lead to two with 4:58 left. Back to back mid-range jumpers by
Justin Ball gave Principia the lead again 59-58 with 2:45 remaining. This was a lead that the Panthers would not relinquish. Anumu hit a huge three with 59 seconds left to stretch the lead to 62-58. Clutch free throw shooting by
Joey Sander,
Larry Patterson, and
Adaku Anumu helped ice the game, as the Panthers came away with the 68-64 win.
The Panthers had a balanced attack with five players finishing in double figures. They were led in scoring again by Anumu with 18 points.
Parker Davidson had a double-double, finishing with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
Justin Ball had a huge second half, patrolling the paint, finishing with 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Also coming up big were
Larry Patterson and
Jeff Ross, who both had 10 points.
The Panthers are now 2-0 and will look to continue their good play at Lincoln Christian University on November 21st at 3:00 PM. The Panthers next home game is Tuesday, November 24th at 7:00 pm against Millikin University. Come out and support!!
