ELSAH, IL — After a tough loss against Illinois College on Tuesday, the Principia Men's Basketball team was back in their home gym on Friday evening for a matchup against Mississippi University for Women. MUW will be joining the SLIAC conference next season, so this was a good chance for both teams to get a look at each other before they become conference foes.
After a first half filled with very little rhythm, both teams struggled to put the ball in the hoop. Principia came out of halftime with a 25-24 lead and was able to make a couple of runs to give themselves breathing room. In the end, it was just enough, as Principia came away with the hard-earned 64-59 victory.
A slow start by both team turned this into a tight affair. An early 10-0 run by MUW gave the Owls an 6-point lead with 12:40 remaining in the first half. Principia answered this run with an 8-0 run of their own to take the lead. The lead would go back and forth the rest of the half, with Principia taking the 25-24.
Principia came out of halftime and made a couple of big runs to push their lead to double figures. However, every time Principia would make a run, MUW would make a run right back, and eventually cut the lead below 5. The Panthers took an 11-point lead with 7:53 remaining, seemingly taking control of the game. The Owls would not be deterred, and cut the lead back to 4. A free throw with 16 seconds left by
Shemarri Miles pushed the lead to 64-59, which is where it would end, as Principia secured their third straight home win.
Good to Know: Shemarri Miles shot 6-8 on his way to a 16 point game, and
Marco Powells had 13 points in his home debut! After shooting a poor 23% in the first half, the Panthers vastly improved in the second half and shot 14/26 for 53.8%.
Up Next: Principia has no time to rest as the host Loras College on Saturday at 3:00 pm! Come cheer on both Panther basketball teams as the women play at 1:00 pm right before the men!
