ELSAH, IL – The Principia Men's Basketball team welcomed Greenville University to Hay Field House on Tuesday evening for a battle of the Panthers. After a long three game road trip, Principia returned home looking for a win to get back on the right track. Greenville came into the game at 10-2 in the SLIAC and in first place, while Principia came into the game at 3-9 in conference play. In the first contest between both teams earlier this season, Greenville defeated Principia 131-127 in an overtime nail-biter. Principia came out aggressive from the opening tip and took a 53-45 lead going into the break. In the second half, Principia did not relent, and upset Greenville, 113-95.
An early run from
Charley Hoffman kept Principia even with Greenville, as he had 6 of the first 8 points for Principia. In the middle of the first half, Principia went on a 15-0 run to take a 29-18 lead as senior
Jaquan Adams began to catch fire. Adams would score 8 of the 15 points in the run, which got him started on his record-setting night. The Panthers held the lead throughout the rest of the first half with great finishing from Adams and
Bobby Alford III, as well as great guard play from
Shemarri Miles and
AJ Byrd. Principia went into the break up 53-45 with Adams sitting at 24 points after the first half.
After a rocky offensive start to the second half, Adams would settle down the home team with a lay up at the 17:29 mark to give Principia their first basket of the second half. Some impressive lock down defense and Adams' finishing would stretch the lead up to as many as 26 points. Adams' career night was punctuated by a free throw with 25 seconds left to put him at 49 points in the game, which tied the program record for points in a game held by Buz Brewster (1968) and Adams' former teammate, Nate Brantingham (2022). Principia ran away with the game for a huge 113-95 win over their Panther rival.
Good to Know: Jaquan Adams had a unbelievable career night all around. He finished with 49 points on 20-26 from the field and 9-12 from the free throw line. Not only that, but he also had 17 rebounds and 10 assists for his first career triple double.
Bobby Alford III also had a great night with 25 points. Others in double figures were
AJ Byrd with 18 points and
Shemarri Miles with 13 points and 9 rebounds. Principia now is 4-9 in the SLIAC and still searching for that last SLIAC Tournament position.
Up Next: The Panthers remain at home in a matchup against the Webster Gorloks on Saturday at 3:00 pm. Webster defeated the Panthers earlier this season, and also ended Principia's season last year in the SLIAC Semifinals. Come support your Panthers if you are on campus!
