Box Score Rolla, MOThursday afternoon, the Principia Panthers traveled to Rolla, Missouri to take on Missouri S&T Miners, a division 2 team from the GLVC Conference. Despite it being the Panthers first game back from break, they started the game strong on both offense and defense, taking a five point lead with 12 minutes left in the first half. Unfortunately, the Panthers could not sustain the defensive intensity and succumbed to the Miners pressure. In the end, the Panthers fell 97-70.
In the first half,
Adaku Anumu and
Parker Davidson brought the energy for the Panthers on offense, while
Justin Ball,
Joey Sander, and
Jeff Ross really brought the energy on defense. The Panthers took the lead, 12-7, on a Justin ball lay up with about 12 minutes left in the half. An
Adaku Anumu jumper made the game 19-19 with 8:31 left in the half, but that was the last time that the Panthers would be tied. From there, it was an up and down affair, as too many turnovers by the Panthers gave the Miners easy opportunities. Principia went into the locker room down 48-32.
Despite being down 16 at the half, the Panthers showed some good hustle and heart against the Miners in the second half. They handled the pressure better and were able to get some easy lay ups. However, the defense was their downfall as they gave up too many easy baskets to their opponents.
Principia was led by
Adaku Anumu with 23 points.
Justin Ball and
Parker Davidson chipped in with 20 points and 19 points, while
Jeff Ross added 8 points and 5 rebounds. As a team, the Panthers shot 91% from the free throw line.
Principia plays again on Saturday, January 2nd at 3:00 PM at Iowa Wesleyan. This will be the Panthers first conference game after break, as they look to build on their game today and earn their first conference victory.
