ST. LOUIS, MO – In their last before the holiday break, the Principia Men's Basketball team played Washington University in St. Louis, who came into the game ranked #17 in NCAA DIII. Despite being down two injured starters, Principia kept up with Wash U early on and had the game tied at 12 after the first 9 minutes. The Bears would take control from there and stormed out to a 43-25 halftime lead. In the second half, Wash U steadily increased their lead throughout, defeating the Panthers 90-56.
After Wash U started out on a 7-0 run, Principia found their rhythm and went on a 12-5 run, culminating with a three pointer by AJ Byrd. Wash U would again take control of the game, using their height to cause mismatches for the Panthers. Principia would remain within striking distance as three pointers by Cole Harrison, Charley Hoffman, and Bobby Alford III kept the Panthers in the game. Wash U would end the half on a 5-0 run, taking the lead to 43-25 into the half.
The Panthers started off the second half with a three pointer by Charley Hoffman to cut the lead back to 43-28. After Wash U stretched the lead up to 25, Principia would go on a 8-0 run as an Isaiah Parker knocked down a three to cut the lead to 17. That was the Panthers' last run as the Bears pulled away for a 90-56 victory.
Good to Know: The Panthers were led by freshman Bobby Alford III who had 17 points and 6 rebounds. AJ Byrd and Charley Hoffman chipped in with 12 and 10 points, respectively.
Up Next: Principia is now on their holiday break and will be back in action against Missouri S&T in an exhibition in Rolla, Missouri on December 30th at 3:00 pm.
