Box Score Fulton, MO-Today the Principia Panthers took on the Westminster Blue Jays in their final game of the 2015-16 season. The Panthers defeated Fontbonne University on Tuesday, giving them momentum entering this season finale. After quickly falling behind 10-0, Principia locked in on defense, allowing them to make a quick run to get back in the game. The rest of the game was a seesaw affair, seeing both teams take hold of the lead for short periods of time. As time wound down,
Parker Davidson was able to make two free throws with eight seconds left to give the Panthers a three point lead. A missed Westminster three pointer as time expired gave the Panthers the 65-62 win.
Principia started the game off flat and unable to get any offensive rhythm. This allowed for Westminster to get easy shots on the other end, stretching the lead out to a game high ten points at 10-0 just 2:15 into the game. However, Principia was able to knock down two three pointers from
Adaku Anumu and
Parker Davidson to help them get footing in the game.
Once comfortable, the Panther defense set the tone, as it was stingy the rest of the night. Principia took their first lead on a
Steven Hammond three point basket, making it 22-20 Principia with 6:18 left in the half. After a quick Westminster run, back to back threes from Anumu and
Connor Savoye put the Panthers up 30-29 with just under two minutes left in the half. A short jumper from
Justin Ball with 17 seconds left would send the game into the half tied up at 32.
Westminster came out ready to play in the second half, quickly taking a five point lead. Principia battled to get it close, eventually cutting the lead to two points, at 42-44, on a Hammond lay up. From here, Anumu would take over, hitting three step back three pointers in a row, with a Ball jumper sandwiched in between, as Principia jumped out to a 53-46 lead with 9:41 left.
Westminster would come back, as a Carter Wands layup would tie the game at 56 with 3:16 left. Immediately after this, Davidson would answer for Principia with a lay up and the foul, making it 59-56. After a Romo Tabb lay up made it 60-59 Westminster,
Joey Sander and
Adaku Anumu both made lay ups for Principia to make it 63-60 with 48 seconds left. Two free throws by Davidson with 8 seconds left gave the Panthers the 65-62 win as Westminster's three pointer at the buzzer bounced off back rim.
This game was a demonstration of the metal toughness of this Panther squad, as they fought hard throughout the entire season. Principia was lead in today's game by
Adaku Anumu who finished with a game high 26 points.
Justin Ball had his second straight double double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, and
Parker Davidson chipped in with a double double of 11 points and 10 rebounds.
The senior trio of
Joey Sander,
Steven Hammond, and
Connor Savoye played well throughout their final game. Hammond and Savoye each had 5 points, while Sander had his only 2 points be a crucial basket to help the Panthers retake the lead with 2 minutes left. They made timely buckets and played great defense throughout. Your contribution to the program is greatly appreciated!Â
