ELSAH, IL – The Principia Men's Basketball Team opened their season tonight at home against University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy. The Panthers were eager to open their season on a high note after last season ended in a SLIAC Quarterfinal loss to Eureka College. A long offseason of training and getting better, coupled with some hungry returners and new players gave the Panthers all they needed in the matchup. After falling behind early, Principia got going and never looked back, as they won 82-63.
After a few minutes of early season jitters for the Panthers, UHSP was able to get the first 4 points of the game to take an early lead. Principia was able to recover and get their first bucket of the season on a layup from
Clark Davidson. On the next possession,
Jake Kampf hit the first three of the season for Principia, and helped settle the Panthers into their game. Principia extended their lead in the first half up to 18 points with hard nosed defense and dominance on the boards. Despite two threes by UHSP to close the half, Principia still carried a 35-23 lead into the half.
In the second half, the game slowed down as Principia got in foul trouble and UHSP got into the bonus. Despite this, great two way play from newcomer
Jaquan Adams gave the Panthers the energy they needed to weather the storm. After UHSP cut the lead to 14,
Payton Sellers answered with a three-pointer to push the lead out to 17 with 6:13 left and ice the game for Principia. A reverse layup by
Kevin Wingert extended the lead to 26 with 2 minutes left and capped the 82-63 win.
Good to Know: In his first game in a Panther uniform, junior
Jaquan Adams led the Panthers with 19 points and 10 rebounds! Principia had a balanced attack with 5 players in double digits. The win gives Principia their first 1-0 start since the 2018-19 season.
Up Next: The Panthers play at home against Dominican University on Saturday, November 12th at 3:00 pm. Last season, Principia went on the road to defeat Dominican 94-83 in overtime. Dominican and Principia both won their season openers and are 1-0 on the young season. Come on down to Hay Field House and support the Panthers as they look to go 2-0!
