KUTZTOWN, Pa. (December 8, 2010)—The Kutztown University men's basketball team displayed character and perseverance to defeat Holy Family University, 71-67 in a non-conference game Wednesday night at Keystone Arena. (BOXSCORE)

 

In a game featuring 14 lead changes, the Golden Bears (5-2 overall) overcame several deficits but lit up Keystone Arena in the second half and found a way to get the job done. Holy Family's overall record slipped to 2-6. 

 

Kutztown was faced with its biggest test in the final three minutes with the score tied at 65. The charity stripe was KU's saving grace as its final six points came from the foul line. The Golden Bears were up 69-65 with 1 minute, 2 seconds remaining. However, Holy Family had a chance to change the game's direction with 44 seconds left after Tiger Tim Smith knocked down a jumper that trimmed Kutztown's advantage to 69-67.

 

Nerves filled the crowd as Kutztown remained relaxed on the floor. Hearts raced faster when the Golden Bears turned the ball over, giving Holy Family possession with 11 seconds remaining. KU's defense proved that it could handle the task and the loud gasps of the crowd turned to vibrant cheers as the Golden Bears forced a turnover with 2.2 left.

 

“It was good to win a close game at home,” junior Nate Edwards (Philadelphia, PA/North Catholic) said. “We pride ourselves on not losing at home. This game was a character test. We got up in the second half and they made a couple runs at us, but we were able to withstand them and we were able to pull the win out.”

 

With 9:32 remaining, KU trailed 58-53. That deficit was temporary because within two minutes, Kutztown took control of the game with sophomore Jermaine Jackson (Blandon, PA/Reading)'s layup, giving the Golden Bears a 59-58 advantage.

 

Jackson's efforts off the bench helped KU keep pace with the Tigers. He had a career high, scoring all of his 12 points in the paint. Jackson who is new to Kutztown has made a smooth transition from Rider University.

 

“It's been real comfortable, the guys take you in as family,” Jackson said. “With me coming in off the bench, I just want to do the dirty work. I'm not trying to come in and score 20 points or do all the great things that people expect. I just want to come in, win, and play defense.”

 

Jackson stepped up for his team, when junior Eric Brennan (Chester, PA/West Catholic) left the game with an injury midway in the first half. Also aiding KU during its time of need was Edwards, who led the Golden Bears with 16 points. This is Edwards' second consecutive game leading Kutztown in scoring. After playing three games this season, he is averaging 15.3 points per game.

 

Seniors Julius Gray (Lincoln University, PA/Oxford Area) and Tamir Johnson (Philadelphia, PA/Imhotep Charter) combined to score 28 points. Senior Steve Coffey (Reading, PA/Wilson) led the Golden Bears in rebounds with nine and finished with nine points. Smith led the Tigers with a game-high 18 points and nine rebounds.

 

“I thought we played hard,” Kutztown head coach Bernie Driscoll said. “We just missed a lot of easy shots in the first half. Losing Eric in the first half hurt a little bit Jermaine stepped up and Alex Reed (Coatesville, PA/Coatesville) gave us some good minutes. Julius came up big at the end of the game with the steal and making those two free throws at the end. “

 

The Golden Bears return to action Saturday, December 11 when they travel to Lincoln University. Tip-off is at 2 p.m.