PHILADELPHIA, PA. (December 2, 2009) – The Kutztown University men's basketball team overcame an early 12-point deficit to defeat Chestnut Hill College, 92-77, at Sorgenti Arena Wednesday night.
Senior guard Stephen Dennis (West Chester, PA/Henderson) (West Chester/Henderson) led Kutztown, ranked 12th in the latest National Association of Basketball Coaches' Division II Top 25, with his first career triple-double. The splendid Dennis finished with a season-high 31 points, 11 rebounds and a career-high 11 assists. It's the second time this season Dennis has finished with double-digit assists. The 31 points are one shy of his career high.
Junior forward Ryan Washington (Philadelphia, PA/Wissahickon) (Philadelphia/Wissahickon) added a double-double with 23 points and 13 rebounds. Junior guard Julius Gray (Lincoln University, PA/Oxford Area High School) (Lincoln University/Oxford) added 16 points for the Golden Bears, who improved their overall record to 3-0. Junior forward Tamir Johnson (Philadelphia, PA/Imhotep Charter) (Philadelphia/Southern Connecticut State) chipped in with nine points and nine rebounds.
Chestnut Hill placed five players in double digit scoring highlighted by 18 points from Mark DiRugeris Jr and 16 points from Ryan Cook. Also reaching double figures for the Griffins was Larz Jeter (14 points), Julian McFadden (11) and Dan Comas (11).
Although Kutztown started with a bang thanks to a dunk by freshman guard Ivory Wells (Philadelphia, PA/Imhotep Charter) (Philadelphia/Imhotep Charter) two seconds into the game, the host Griffins (3-3) pounced on the Golden Bears in the opening seven minutes roaring to a 19-7 lead.
“I was very happy with our effort on the road tonight,” Kutztown coach Bernie Driscoll said. “We fought back, stayed poised and gave a much better effort on the defensive end. This is a good win on the road against a very good team.”
Dennis fueled Kutztown's 15-0 blitz midway through the first half. Trailing, 24-18, with 10:27 remaining in the first half, Dennis scored 11 points during the run to help give the Golden Bears control of the contest. Dennis enjoyed a buffet of baskets including a dunk, a 3-pointer, four foul shots and a layup during his personal scoring spree. Overall, Dennis scored 21 points in the opening 20 minutes on 7-of-12 shooting.
During that time, Kutztown's defense forced Chestnut Hill to miss six straight shots and turn the ball over four times. The Golden Bears settled for a 44-37 intermission advantage.
Gray took control in the second half as he scored 13 of his points as Kutztown ran away from Chestnut Hill. Gray made a pair of foul shots with 18:25 remaining that gave the Golden Bears a 50-39 lead. Kutztown's advantage never dropped below double digits. The Golden Bears' advantage peaked at 24 points (77-53 with eight minutes remaining).
Kutztown has scored 90 or more points in all three of its outings.
The Golden Bears return to action Saturday afternoon when they host University of the Sciences beginning at 3 p.m.
NOTES: The Kutztown University men's basketball program will host its annual Alumni Day on Saturday, December 5, 2009. All alums are encouraged to come out for a full-day of activities, memories, fun and to cheer on the current crop of Golden Bears against the University of the Sciences. For more information and to participate, please contact Tom York, Assistant Men's Basketball Coach at 610--683-4366 or email tyork@kutztown.edu.
--KU--
