ELSAH, IL – The Principia Men's Basketball team began their final three game home stand of the regular season with a battle of the Panthers against SLIAC rival Greenville University. After Principia overcame a 16-point halftime deficit in their first meeting to steal a 94-91 victory at Greenville, Saturday's game was a one-sided, 29-point win for Principia to get their 16th victory and tie the program record for wins in a season. Greenville came into Saturday's game leading all of NCAA Division III in points per game with 104.9, but Principia's lockdown defense was able to hold them to just 73 points – their lowest point total in eight years.
Principia Panthers started a little slow falling behind 5-2 early, but that was quickly remedied by a trio of 3-pointers by
Jake Kampf, which settled Principia into the game and gave them the 9-7 lead. From there, Principia gradually increased their lead with solid passing and finishing around the basket. After a basket by Greenville made the score 23-15 with 8:53 left in the half, Principia went on an remarkable 18-0 run to push their lead all the way to 26 points. A couple of 3-pointers from Greenville cut into that lead before the half, but Principia still went into the break with a 47-26 lead.
The second half started the same way for Principia as they went on a quick 6-0 run with layups from Nate Brantingham and
Clark Davidson. A barrage of threes by
Jake Kampf, and lay ups from
Marco Powells and
Jaquan Adams pushed the lead to a game-high 39 at 97-58 with 4:14 remaining in the game. From here, Principia would take their foot off the gas and begin to get their bench into the game while also running the clock on offense. At the final buzzer, the Panthers of Principia defeated the Panthers of Greenville, 102-73.
Good to Know: Principia's balanced attack had four guys in double figures in both scoring as well as rebounding.
Jake Kampf had a huge all-around game, leading the Panthers with 27 points while also having 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. Two Panthers finished with double doubles:
Jaquan Adams got his third of the season with 20 points and 10 rebounds, and
Nathan Brantingham got his second of the year with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Marco Powells tied his season-high with 13 points, adding 6 rebounds and 4 assists.
Kevin Wingert had a team-high 13 rebounds while also chipping in 8 points.
Principia's 65 total rebounds breaks the team record for rebounds in a game. The previous best was 62 from at game at Greenville in February 2017. The Panthers moved to 8-2 in the SLIAC and are now in sole possession of 1st place in the conference.
Up Next: The Panthers will go for their program record 17th win on Thursday when they host Spalding University at 7:30 pm in Hay Field House. Principia defeated Spalding 53-43 in a defensive showdown in their first meeting, and will look to maintain their lead in the SLIAC. Come pack the gym and cheer on your Panthers as they try to make history!
