Coming in the Shippensburg University men’s basketball team knew that this game was a must win.
That urgency led the Raiders to a tough 68–59 victory over Bloomsburg University Wednesday night at Heiges Field House.
In the opening minutes of the game, SU displayed solid ball movement around the perimeter as well as in the paint. Even with the ball movement, SU could not find an open shot through the first seven minutes of the game. SU took three 3-point shots, but came up short every time.
Tyhiem Perrin opened SU’s scoring with a made 3-pointer five minutes into the game. After Perrin’s jumper, SU found itself struggling to make stops, while BU gained a sizeable lead.
Three minutes ticked off the clock before SU scored its next points, breaking BU’s run and bringing the deficit to nine.
SU quickly started to regain its momentum and started making shots at will. Joe Lococo drained a three while Perrin dropped two more. The pair brought the score to within two.
Both teams held their ground on the defense throughout the end of the end of the first half. Both teams were able to force turnovers and control the boards.
SU found itself down by one point at the end of the first half 32–31.
SU took control of the second half early when Perrin got a steal and Tony Ellis tossed in a jumper.
From that poing on, SU did not give up control of the lead, only allowing BU to tie the game twice throughout the second half.
With contributions from Reggie Charles, Sam Pygatt and Ellis along with solid play from Perrin, SU held control for the rest of the game.
SU scored 26 total points off turnovers in the game, which played a major role in the victory for SU.
Perrin led SU in scoring with 18 points, adding to his already impressive past weeks and showing why he was named Freshman of the Week in the PSAC East.
SU hosts East Stroudsburg University at 3 p.m. on Saturday. The game is part of SU’s Play 4 Kay event.
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