(Mesa, AZ) Despite a vicious second half rally, the men’s basketball team at Park University Gilbert dropped their third straight game to the University of Saint Katherine 72-68 on Sunday evening inside Bell Bank Park.
The Buccaneers struggled to keep within a safe distance during the first 20 minutes. Unfortunately, Saint Kats pulled away after receiving multiple free throw opportunities early in the game, finding themselves in a 20-8 run. The guards shone for the Bucs, however, as a pair of buckets from both Davon Cobbs and Vincent Cooke brought the Firebirds lead to just two as the first frame concluded.
The Bucs had better statistics in field goal percentage, free throw percentage, and rebounds at the break, but six three-pointers in the first half for the Firebirds gave USK the edge.
As a team, Park shot 45.6 percent with the Firebirds leading with 48.1 percent in the first half. LC Ballard contributed with 10 points, after shooting 3-4 from the floor. Cobbs also saw success, bagging five points and six rebounds while clocking in for 15 minutes.
The second half was a lot of the same as the first, as the Bucs came out slow to open up the final 20 minutes. Saint Katherine’s Chris Harper led an inspired attack as their lead opened up to a game-high 15 with just under 11 minutes to go.
Not ready to roll over, Zrebric Humphrey Jr. resurrected the Buccaneers with a layup and two three-pointers in just over a minute, sparking a 27-14 run over the next six minutes that brought the Bucs within one. A pair of buckets from Aidan Moreno sandwiched a single St. Kats free throw, leaving the game tied at 68 with a minute to go.
The game-defining possession was up next, however, as three offensive rebounds in five seconds after three misses by the Firebirds’ Jacob Durham ended with a USK bucket, extending their lead back to two. Turnovers by Cobbs and Ballard wrapped up the game, as the Firebirds came away with the slim victory.
Regardless of the final score, the Buccaneers had solid contributions from all parts of the floor. Dynamic duo Ballard and Cooke had 14 points and eight points, respectively, while Moreno had 12 with eight rebounds. Trè Adams was all over the floor in his first start for the Bucs, as the big man from Sacramento finished with six points, seven assists, and six rebounds with one steal and just one turnover. Cobbs finished with 10 points off the bench, and Humphrey Jr. added nine of his own.
The Buccaneers start their two game road trip against La Sierra University and RV University of Antelope Valley on Jan. 19 and 20 with tip off scheduled for 8:30 p.m.
Press Release courtesy of Park University Athletics – Lainie Hallows
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