(Whittier, CA) The Park University Gilbert men’s basketball team dropped a non-conference contest to NCAA Division III Whittier this evening 74-64. The Bucs drop to 5-6 overall, Whittier picks up its second win of the season and are 2-6.
The first half did not get off to a good start as Whittier opened with 14 straight points. The Bucs responded with an 18-2 run of its own to take a two point lead. The remainder of the first half remained a back and forth affair with six lead changes. A three-pointer with 12 seconds left in the half gave the Poets a small advantage heading into the intermission.
After getting off to such a slow start for the Bucs and hot start for the Poet, both teams were shooting 38 percent at the half. Both teams left something to be desired at the free throw line shooting 53 percent (Park) and 50 percent (Whittier). LC Ballard led the Buccos in scoring in the first half with nine points. Caleb Ivy had seven points and four rebounds.
The second half saw Whittier jump ahead again by nine before Park cut the deficit to two at 52-50. But from there Whittier outscored Park 22-14 the rest of the way to win by 10.
The Buccaneers finished the game still shooting 38 percent, while the Poets upped their percentage to 49 percent after shooting 64 percent in the second half.
Ballard finished with 19 points, six rebounds and three steals. Aiden Moreno finished with a career high 15 points and added 10 rebounds for his first career double-double.
The Bucs conclude this two-game road trip tomorrow as the take on another NCAA Division III school in the University of La Verne at 6 p.m. Arizona time.
Press Release courtesy of Park University Athletics – Preston English
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