Shippensburg, PA (January 12, 2011) – The Kutztown University men's basketball team began their Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) schedule with six players finishing in double figures as it defeated Shippensburg University 84-75 Wednesday night at Heiges Field House. (BOXSCORE)
Kutztown's three seniors combined for 39 points, all of which scoring in double figures. Tamir Johnson (Philadelphia, PA/Imhotep Charter) led the trio with 14 points and eight rebounds. Johnson also went 6-for-7 from the free-throw line. He has continued to improve at the line this season, which will be an important asset for the Golden Bears to have moving into conference play.
Julius Gray (Lincoln University, PA/Oxford Area) added 13 points and made all four of his free-throw attempts. He also was tied with a team-high four assists.
Last but not least, senior guard Steve Coffey (Reading, PA/Wilson) dropped 12 points Wednesday night in 23 minutes off the bench. Along with having four assists, Coffey had seven rebounds and made six free-throws.
This is the second time this season the senior trio has all scored in double figures in the same game.
Kutztown (8-5, 1-0 PSAC East) has now won four consecutive PSAC opening games. Possibly a sign of good things to come, the Golden Bears had their best shooting performance since Dec 1, shooting 50% from the field. KU also shot 82.1% from the free-throw line, its best of the year.
Eric Brennan (Chester, PA/West Catholic) finished with a team-high 16 points off 6-of-8 shooting in just 22 minutes on the floor. Brennan is now tied for third on the team in scoring average at 11.2 points per game. Tied with Brennan at 11.2 is fellow junior Nate Edwards (Philadelphia, PA/North Catholic). Edwards dropped 13 points Wednesday night and added a pair of 3-pointers for KU.
As advertised, the Red Raiders (5-8, 0-1 PSAC East) were led by forward Will Royal. Royal had a double-double, finishing with 18 points and 11 rebounds. John Corrigan added 13 points for Ship and Craig Van Scyoc had 10.
Kutztown's victory was not an easy one to say to least as KU trailed by 10 points with 11 minutes, 54 seconds remaining in the first half. KU then went on a 14-2 run, going up 27-25 with 7:47 left in the half. They would lead for the remainder of the game.
The Golden Bears continue play this Saturday, Jan 15, as they will host Bloomsburg University in a PSAC East matchup beginning at 3:00 p.m. at Keystone Arena.
--KU--
