The Principia Men's Basketball team played host to the Greenville University Panthers in their 16
th conference game of the season on Saturday afternoon. Greenville came into the game as the first place team in conference and also averages the most points per game in the nation. Principia was looking to protect home court and get back in the win column. Even though the Principia Panthers held Greenville to their lowest score of the season in conference play they fell short losing 100-105.
The game started off perfectly for Principia as they were able to break the pressure and score layups getting off to a 10-2 start to the game. Greenville was able to hit a few shots to climb back into the game but Principia held strong and maintained a lead. Prin was able to keep their composure under pressure and make their layups to keep a small lead for the first 10 minutes of the first half. It wasn't until the 10 minute mark that Principia lost their lead to a layup by Greenville. Greenville was able to do what they do best and turn Principia over and hit three point shots to take over the game in the next few minutes. Over the next 8 minutes sloppy play by Principia allowed Greenville to build a 15 point lead and take control of the game. Down 15 points with 2:20 left in the first half Principia dug deep and was able to cut the lead down to 6 points by going on a 10-1 run to close out the half.
In the first 4 minutes of the first half Principia struggled to get stops on the defensive end of the floor and the Greenville lead ballooned to 13 points.
Parker Davidson was able to spark the Panthers with an offensive rebound put back followed by a steal to a layup, which kept the Panthers within striking distance. At the 10 minute mark a tough layup by
Micah Paulson cut the lead to 3 points the lowest it had been since the 10 minute mark in the first half. Once again Greenville was able to get turnovers and hit their shots to pull away with just 5 minutes left in the game. Principia battled back once more and was able to cut the lead to 3 points and just had a three pointer rattle in and out to tie the game with 1 minute left in the game. Principia played the foul and free throw game in the final seconds but was not able to make enough plays down the stretch and ultimately fell 105-100.
Good to Know:
Parker Davidson had a monster career game setting the Principia single game record for most points and rebounds in a game. Parker finished with 46 points and 22 rebounds while shooting 75% from the field.
Up Next:
The Principia Panthers will travel to Fontbonne University for their last away game of the season on Tuesday February 13
th at 7 pm.
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