This week, the Shippensburg Raiders men’s basketball team played two close games against PSAC East foes Shepherd and Lock Haven universities. On Wednesday, the Raiders hosted Shepherd University at Heiges Field House and won 68-66. Saturday, the Raiders traveled to Lock Haven and beat the Bald Eagles, 72-61.
The first half if the contest with Shepherd was extremely close as the teams slugged it out. Both teams traded buckets from the jump. Both teams went on runs through the first half and built a little bit of a lead. But neither team was able to sustain a lead. Shepherd senior guard Jon Preston drew a foul after his three-point shot and made all three free throws to give the Rams a two-point lead into the second half.
The Rams jumped out to a quick five-point lead in the opening minutes of the second half. The Raiders quickly fought back and tied the game at 37. Later in the half, the Rams held a five-point lead with under three minutes to go in regulation. The Raiders quickly erased the deficit and gained a 62-61 lead when Carlos Carter hit a three. The Raiders defeated the Rams 68-66.
Carter led the Raiders in scoring with 19 points in the game. Rashon Johnson had 17 points in the game.
In the Raiders-Bald Eagles faceoff, the Raiders jumped out to a big lead in the game and led 34-25 at the end of the first half. The second half was a little bit tighter but the Bald Eagles were not able to close the gap. The Raiders defeated the Bald Eagles 72-61.
Carter led the Raiders with 22 points and five rebounds in the game. Johnson had 17 points and five rebounds. Luke Nedrow had 12 points and six rebounds. Dom Sleva had nine points and 13 rebounds in the game. Andrew Recchia had nine points.
The Raiders have almost a full week off and will travel to East Stroudsburg on Saturday to play a 3 p.m. game against the Warriors.
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