Box Score ELSAH, Ill. -This afternoon, the Principia College Men's Basketball Team took on the MacMurray College Highlanders in another SLIAC battle. Principia came into the game looking for revenge after a lopsided loss earlier this season at MacMurray. Despite a seven minute lapse in both defensive and offensive execution in the first half, the game came down to the very end. Principia was down just one with 40 seconds left, but was unable to get the final stop needed to pull out the victory. In the end, MacMurray defeated Principia 81-75.
Thanks to the scoring output of
Adaku Anumu, the Panthers were able to stay within striking range throughout the first half. Back to back three pointers by Anumu brought the Panthers back from a six point deficit to even at 23-23 with 7:18 left in the half. From there, the Panthers fell into a drought that had a significant impact on their defense as well. At the half, Principia was down 44-30 despite 21 first half points from Anumu.
The Panthers came out in the second half with a renewed vigor as they desperately wanted to claw their way back into the game. A three pointer by
Parker Davidson and a lay up by
Justin Ball cut the lead to 9 early into the second half. The lead would balloon up to 18 with 15:30 left. Principia would not quit and little by little they cut into the deficit. This second half charge was lead by
Parker Davidson, who had 19 of his 21 points in the second half. A Davidson tip in with 1:50 left cut the lead to 2. A couple of buckets by MacMurray were answered by a lay up from
Justin Ball and a lay up from
Adaku Anumu. Anumu's lay up with 45 seconds left cut the Highlanders once 18 point lead all the way down to 1. However, a MacMurray 3 pointer with 25 seconds left sealed the deal, as the Panthers did not have enough time to finish the comeback.
Great efforts came from many of the Principia College players. Anumu finished with a game high 35 points along with 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Davidson had a monster game with 21 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists and zero turnovers.
Justin Ball had 12 points, while
Kaylin Hernandez Beiner did a great job at the point guard position, finishing with a game high 7 assists. Â
The Panthers next play at home on Tuesday, February 2nd at 8:00 pm versus Iowa Wesleyan. Come out and support your Panthers.
