Box Score St. Louis, MOThis afternoon, the Principia College Men's Basketball Team took on the Fontbonne University Griffins in a hotly contested SLIAC battle. Principia jumped out to an early lead and sustained it throughout the first half, entering the break up 46-39. The second half was a back and forth affair, with both teams exchanging the lead multiple times. Principia found themselves down 2 with 8 seconds left. After a time out,
Parker Davidson rose up for the game winning three pointer, only to watch it go in and out at the buzzer as Principia fell in heartbreaking fashion 85-83.
The Panthers came out eager to execute and compete against Fontbonne right from the opening tip. Principia jumped out to the early lead, extending it to 21-13 on a
Kaylin Hernandez Beiner three pointer with 12:16 left in the half. For most of the rest of the half, both teams exchanged baskets and stops, keeping the Panther lead around seven. However, with 3:42 left an
Adaku Anumu jumper pushed the Panther lead to double digits, at 41-30. Despite Fontbonne going on a run, Anumu's two free throws at the end of the half gave Principia a 46-39 haltime advantage.
Fontbone came out strong in the second half, taking a 51-48 lead with 15:55 remaining. Principia fought back and retook the lead and built on it, finally extending it to 6 on an Anumu lay up. Fontbonne proceeded to fight their way back into the game, taking the lead with 4:12 remaining. A huge three point basket by
Connor Savoye gave the Panthers the 78-77 lead again at the 4 minute mark. However, a huge three pointer and subsequent tip in by Fontbonne pushed their lead back to 6 with just over 2 minutes remaining.
Principia kept battling, getting multiple stops and knocking down free throws, eventually cutting the lead to 2 points with 14 seconds left. After two missed free throws by Fontbonne, Principia used a time out to set up a final play. Despite executing the play perfectly, the ball would just not fall as
Parker Davidson's three bounced in and out as the final horn sounded, giving Fontbonne the 85-83 victory.
Another great performance from the Panthers came from
Adaku Anumu, who finished with his second consecutive 43 point game.
Jeff Ross and
Justin Ball chipped in with 11 and 10 points respectively.
Principia next plays at home against Westminster College this Tuesday, January 19th at 8:00 PM. Come out and support your Panthers!
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