(Mesa, AZ) For the first time this year, the Park University Gilbert men’s basketball team kept a close lead with their opponents in the first half but lost their grip during the final 20 minutes. This time, they dropped a close match up against the California State University-Maritime Keelhaulers 90-79.
Head coach Gordon Stubblefield said, “We struggled to keep up defensively. The momentum was there but we have to capitalize when we find ourselves on their half.”
The game came down to rebounds, which Maritime had on lock with 44, while the Bucs struggled to put up a solid defense, claiming just 28. Keelhaulers Miles Pennington and Justice Cole led their team with eight apiece.
Kylan Shorts set the pace for the Bucs from the very beginning. He shot 3-3 from behind the arc, giving his team the extra momentum that carried them into halftime. Shorts went on to put up 15 points, shooting 75% from the floor, making it his most successful as a Buc.
Zach Lewkowski assisted the team and closed the point gap between the Keelhaulers. He chipped in with a crucial assist that landed Shorts his third three pointer of the game, before recording a two pointer of his own that tied the game 35-35.
Davon Cobbs had yet another successful run with 15 points and four boards. He finished his evening shooting 5-9 from the floor, and 2-3 from behind the three point range. LC Ballard and Aidan Moreno saw more points in the second half, with Ballard bagging all 11 of his points and Moreno scoring seven during the final 20 minutes.
The second half saw the Keelhaulers leading by 17 while Park struggled to get points on the board. The Buccaneers fought back to bring the lead down to 12, unfortunately with less than two minutes remaining.
Park will return to play on Jan. 9 on the road at SAGU American Indian College. Tip off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
Press Release courtesy of Park University Athletics – Lainie Hallows
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