The Principia Panthers traveled to Greenville, IL to take on Greenville University Panthers in their seventh conference game of the season. Both teams came into the game with a 4-2 record in conference play. Greenville University plays a unique system which enables them to lead the country in points per game. Although the Principia Panthers shot an astounding 78 percent from the field it was not quite enough as they fell to Greenville 133-129.
The game started off at an extremely high pace as Greenville uses a full court press and trap the entire game. Both teams exchanged baskets early as Principia would break the press and get layups. Within the first 3 minutes of the game Greenville had already made 10 substitutions as waves of 5 players subbed in and out. Extremely outnumbered Principia stuck to their game plan and battled hard. With 12:30 left in the first half a layup by
Brennan Paulson gave Principia a 27-20 lead. Greenville University uses high pressure and 3 point shooting to stay in any game and was able to tie the game up just a few moments later. Near the end of the first half Principia's composure with the ball and consistent defense allowed them to build a 14 point lead. In a game that just seconds seem like an eternity Greenville was able to turn up their pressure and knock down two big three pointers just before half cutting the lead to 65-58 in Principia's favor.
The second half continued very similar to the first half as both teams exchanged baskets. Principia was able to stay the course and hold a 7-10 point lead for the first 10 minutes of the second half. As Greenville continued with their waves of subs and constant chaos Principia did their best to stay the course. At the 9 minute mark Greenville had scrapped their way back into the game, trailing 100-98, off of some sloppy turnovers by Principia. The Principia Panthers did not give in and were able to stretch their lead to 15 points with 6 minutes remaining in the game.
Unfortunately in a game against Greenville a 15 point lead can disappear very quickly. The intense pressure began to get to Principia and Greenville was able to catch fire from three at the right time. Several consecutive turnovers by Principia were all answered by 3 point makes on the other end. With 3 minutes left in the game Greenville was able to cut the lead down to 2 points. Down the stretch the Greenville Panthers were able to make key 3 point shots to give them their first lead since early in the game. A Principia three point attempt with 7 seconds left just missed ultimately ending the game. A passionate and gutsy performance by the Principia Panthers fell just short as they lost 133-129 to Greenville.
Notable Performance:
Principia as a team shot the ball extremely well finishing the game at 77.8% from the field.
TreVaughn Goodman had a monster game finishing with a triple-double. Goodman had 43 points, 15 rebounds and 14 assists.
Parker Davidson also had a big game finishing with 37 points and 15 rebounds. Not to be left out also with a great game,
Micah Paulson finished with 27 points 8 rebounds and 8 assists.
Up Next
Principia Panthers will return home Saturday January 13th versus Fontbonne University at 3pm.
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