GREENVILLE, IL – The Principia Men's Basketball team traveled to Greenville University on Tuesday evening for a SLIAC battle of Panthers. Greenville came into the game 3-1 in the SLIAC, while Principia came into the game with the opposite record of 1-3. After an injury-plagued start to the season, Principia began 2024 finally at full strength for the first time. Greenville started out the game strong and used their press to build a 61-50 halftime lead. After a great second half comeback, Principia sent the game into overtime tied at 112, but Greenville would take control in the extra period to defeat Princpia, 131-127.
After a back-and-forth beginning to the half, Shemarri Miles made a lay up with 8:28 remaining to give Principia a 33-32 lead. From there, Greenville would go on a 16-3 run to take a 12 point lead with 4:14 left in the half. The lead would grow to 14 before Principia was able to take the game to 61-50 going into the break.
Coming out of the half, Principia knew that they would need to play better defense and take care of the ball in order to get back in the game. Slowly but surely, Principia was able to cut the lead. Jaquan Adams and Bobby Alford III took over the game, making lay up after lay up to get Principia into the game. Greenville continued to answer every run by Principia with a big shot of their own as they maintained their lead throughout the second half. Down by six with 2:12 remaining, Principia went on a quick 6-0 run with lay ups from AJ Byrd, Adams, and Alford to tie the game with 1:14 remaining. Two clutch free throws from Shemarri Miles tied the game again with 24 seconds remaining, and a great block by Jordan Williams in the final seconds sent the game into OT knotted at 112 apiece.
In overtime, an early Adams lay up gave Principia their first lead since midway through the first half. Back to back threes by Greenville were answered by a big three from Jordan Williams to cut Greenville's lead to 122-121 with 1:12 left. Unfortunately for the visitors, Greenville would take control of the game with a three pointer on their very next possession, and held on for a 131-127 victory.
Good to Know: The Panthers had six players in double figures including career highs from both Jaquan Adams and Bobby Alford III. Adams had an unbelievable night, flirting with a triple double, finishing with 43 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists. His 43 points are tied for 8th best in a game in program history. Alford also had a huge double double with 33 points and 13 rebounds.
Up Next: Principia is off until Saturday when they head to Webster University in St. Louis for a 3:00 pm tip. If you are in the area, come out and support your Panthers in a big SLIAC game!
