ELSAH, IL – The Principia Men's Basketball team's final home game of the season on Saturday was a big one for a multitude of reasons. First off, it was Senior Day for Jake Erickson, Jaquan Adams, AJ Byrd, and Shemarri Miles. All four were honored before the game with their families as they took the court at Hay Field House for the final time. The game against Eureka College was also gigantic because if Principia were to win, they would clinch the final spot in the SLIAC Tournament next week.
With a must-win game at hand, the seniors were able to keep their emotions in check and play some of their best ball of the season. After leading by 9 at halftime, Principia turned up the pressure and intensity as they left no doubt as to who would be the victor en route to a 81-50 triumph over the Red Devils.
After falling behind early 5-2, Principia took the lead 6-5 on an AJ Byrd free throw and would not relinquish the lead for the rest of the game. Eureka remained within 5 points of the Panthers until Jaquan Adams scored 6 points at the end of the half to extend Principia's lead to 33-24 at halftime.
The Panthers' stifling defense would continue in the second half, and their offense would begin to hit on all cylinders. A floater from Jaquan Adams followed by a three pointer from Shemarri Miles pushed the lead to 14 with 18:43 remaining. Senior AJ Byrd got into the action with back to back lay ups to make the score 57-30 with 11:05 remaining in the game. The Panthers pushed the lead to as many as 32 as the entire crowd chanted for senior Jake Erickson to check into the game. Erickson did not disappoint as he made two three pointers in the final two minutes to blow the roof off of Hay Field House.
It was an amazing Senior Day for all of our seniors as they were sent off with a dominant 81-50 victory to grab the #6 seed in the conference tournament.
Good to Know: Principia was led by Jaquan Adams, who had 25 points and 12 rebounds for his 10th double double of the season. Fellow seniors Shemarri Miles, Jake Erickson, and AJ Byrd finished with 12, 6, and 5 points respectively. Adams finishes the regular season as the SLIAC leader in both points per game (23.4) and rebounds per game (10.4) in conference play.
Up Next: Principia travels to Louisville, Kentucky on Tuesday to take on the #3 seeded Spalding Golden Eagles in the SLIAC Quarterfinals! This will be a rematch from seven days prior when Spalding defeated the Panthers, 59-52. This game is set for a 6:00 PM CT tip off – tune in or come support the Panthers if you're in the Louisville area!
