ELSAH, IL – After a tough SLIAC opening loss at Fontbonne, the Principia Men's Basketball team looked to end their four game skid on Thursday with a home win against SLIAC newcomer, MUW. This was the Owls first SLIAC game in program history, and for a while, it looked as though MUW would come away with the victory. After the Owls built up an 18 point lead with 15 minutes remaining, Principia would storm all the way back and send the game into overtime knotted at 66. In OT, the Panthers took the lead and never looked back as they came away with their first SLIAC victory, 82-76.
While Principia took an initial 2-0 lead, MUW asserted themselves on the offensive end, taking a 21-11 lead with 12:05 remaining in the first half. Freshman Bobby Alford III kept the Panthers in the game during the first half as he had 15 of Principia's 31 points. Despite Alford's efforts, the Panthers were unable to get stops on the defensive end and went into the locker room down 42-31.
The second half started similarly, as MUW was able push their lead out to 18 within the first five minutes. The Panthers offense woke up from there as three pointers by Jordan Williams, AJ Byrd, and Isaiah Parker cut the lead down to 10 with 11:14 remaining. Principia kept chipping away, and a clutch and-1 by Alford tied the game up with 3:22 remaining. MUW would hit a three pointer, but Jordan Williams would answer right back with a three pointer of his own with 1:08 to go. After a stop, AJ Byrd had a chance to win the game for the Panthers, but his three pointer glanced off the rim at the buzzer, sending the game to overtime tied at 66 apiece.
In the extra period, an opening lay up by AJ Byrd gave Principia their first lead since it was 2-0. The Panthers would not relinquish their lead for the rest of the game as free throws by Shemarri Miles and AJ Byrd iced the game to give Principia the 82-76 win.
Good to Know: Principia had a remarkable five men in double figures, led by Bobby Alford III with 20 points and 8 rebounds. AJ Byrd contributed 18 points – all in the second half and overtime. Shemarri Miles had 15 points and 4 steals, while Jordan Williams and Isaiah Parker had 14 and 13 points apiece. This victory moves the Panthers to 1-1 in SLIAC play and 2-6 overall.
Up Next: The Panthers have another home game this Saturday at 3:00 pm. They will host Lyon College, who is 1-0 in SLIAC play and is also in their first season in the SLIAC. If you are in the area, come support your Panthers and continue to give them the best home court advantage in the conference!
