Box Score Mount Pleasant, IAThe Principia Panthers trekked all the way to Mount Pleasant, Iowa today to take on the Iowa Wesleyan Tigers. This was Principia's first conference game after break, and they were looking to start the new year off with a conference win. Unfortunately, the Tigers had other ideas, escaping with the win from a game Panthers squad.
Principia started off hot, with
Justin Ball opening the game on a 5-0 run. A jumper by
Adaku Anumu stretched the lead to 7-0, but the Panthers would go ice cold after that. Some costly turnovers, and lack of aggression on offense caused Principia to fall into a 14 point deficit. However, Principia would find their game again, as they closed the gap to 33-25 at the break.
In the second half, Principia came out with renewed vigor. The Panthers took the ball inside and started to take advantage of their size differential. Two free throws by
Parker Davidson gave Principia the 38-35 lead with 17 minutes left. Principia controlled the game, and eventually took a 6 point lead with 5:44 left on a jumper by
Justin Ball. However, Iowa Wesleyan came storming back after that.
Parker Davidson tied the game at 74-74 with 2:18 left on an assist from
Kaylin Hernandez Beiner, but the Panthers would not score again the rest of the way. The Tigers dominated the crucial last 2 minutes and ended the game on a 10-0 run, giving Principia the 84-74 loss.
An outstanding offensive contribution came from
Adaku Anumu who finished with a game high 32 points. Both
Parker Davidson and
Justin Ball ended the game with double doubles. Davidson had 18 points and 14 rebounds, while Ball had 16 points and 11 rebounds. Â
Principia next plays in a home contest against SLIAC foe Blackburn College on Tuesday, January 5th at 8:00 PM. Come out and support the guys!
