Scoring 1,000-career points is something that few college players are able to accomplish; But it remains a feat that separates a good scorer from a great scorer.
On Friday, Nov. 11 at Heiges Field House, senior Shippensburg University guard Abe Massaley scored his 1,000th-career point on a second-half basket in the 2016–17 season opener against Penn State Wilkes-Barre.
With the basket, Massaley became the 29th player in SU history to score 1,000-career points. He is the first to do so since Dylan Edgar did back in the 2014–15 season.
“It feels good just getting back on the court because I was hurting and just got back about a week ago, so I’m just getting back in rhythm,” Massaley said. “Just coming out and getting the win was all I cared about.”
Coming into the game, Massaley needed 11 points to reach the 1,000-point plateau. Massaley struggled to find his shot from the floor, shooting 3-of-15, but it ultimately got the job done. Massaley also added six points at the free-throw line to finish the game with 12 points, bumping his career total up to 1,001. Massaley also has 342 career assists to add to his resume.
Massaley acknowledged that his 1,000th-career point was on his mind during the game, and that he is relieved to have it under his belt.
“I wanted to get it out of the way quick, and unfortunately it didn’t happen that way,” Massaley said. “It happened though, and I am just happy it’s over with and I can work on the season.”
Over the weekend, the Raiders picked up two wins in the Wolf’s Bus Line Classic Tournament. SU captured a 94–72 win over Penn State Wilkes-Barre and a 98–34 win over Penn State Fayette.
Masssaley scored 23 points on 7-of-9 shooting, while adding four assists, three rebounds and two steals against Penn State Fayette.
Massaley was named to the All-Tournament team alongside SU’s Antonio Kellem and Dustin Sleva. During the tournament, Massaley totaled 35 points, eight assists, three rebounds and two steals in two games.
With the 2–0 start, the Raiders took a step toward their goal of ending the season with a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championship. Last season, the Raiders fell to Mercyhurst University in the PSAC Semifinals at West Chester University.
“We’re taking it day by day,” Massaley said. “We can enjoy the win now, but by tonight we will get it out of our system and come back tomorrow. We just take it day by day.”
Massaley and the Raiders will open up conference play Nov. 19 against Slippery Rock University. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Heiges Field House.
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