Box Score



Millersville 77, Kutztown 73 (HTML Box Score) | Photo Gallery
 
MILLERSVILLE, Pa. – The Kutztown University men's basketball team came within one point of erasing a 27-point deficit, but was never able to capture the lead in a 77-73 setback to Millersville University on Wednesday evening in a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division matchup at Pucillo Gymnasium.
 
The Golden Bears (4-11, 2-3 PSAC East) used four double-digit scorers to help mount the monumental comeback. Kutztown could not find any offensive rhythm early on, as it trailed 42-15 with 5:08 left to play in the first half. Only two Golden Bears had field goals in the first 15 minutes of the game, four total as a team, to go along with 11 turnovers. On the other side, the Marauders (6-8, 2-3) made eight three-pointers and had nine different scorers in the run.
 
If there is one thing that Kutztown has shown this season, it is that no deficit is too large to throw in the towel. Even though it has put itself in some tough situations to try and come back from this season, Kutztown has found a way to draw within a possession in the final five minutes of the game in many of its games.
 
The Golden Bears and their coaching staff did a tremendous job of taking the game in chunks in an attempt to chisel away at Millersville's substantial lead. Following Millersville's 27-point lead, Kutztown ended the first half on a 16-5 run as it shot 8-of-10 at the free throw line and forced four Millersville turnovers. It trailed by 16 (47-31) at the break.
 
Coming out of the locker room, Kutztown put together a 12-3 run to draw within seven before the first media timeout. Combining its run to end the half, Kutztown countered the 27-point deficit with a 28-8 run. Trailing by nine later in the half, KU scored seven unanswered, five of which from Elijah Jackson (Pottstown, PA/Pottstown), to bring the game to 65-63.
 
With less than two minutes to play, Kutztown forced two turnovers and took advantage with a layup by Austin Beidelman (Schnecksville, Pa./Parkland) to bring Kutztown within one at 74-73 with 50 seconds to play. Millersville split its free throws with 21 seconds left to take a two point lead (75-73), but a Kutztown turnover on its final possession followed by two Millersville free throws ended Kutztown's bid at a memorable comeback.
 
Sophomore forward Tracy Peal continued his hot streak and notched his second double-double of the season with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Peal battled with foul trouble midway through the second half, which caused him to sit during the latter half of Kutztown's comeback. He has now scored 20 or more points in three of Kutztown's last four games.
 
Jackson played an integral role in the comeback, scoring all 15 of his points in the second half. He was 3-for-3 from three-point range and 6-for-10 from the field. Jackson had foul trouble in the first half, as he only played 20 minutes in the game.
 
Josh Johnson (Norristown, Pa./Norristown) shot 7-for-8 from the free throw line and scored 13 points to go along with eight rebounds. He also added three blocks and three steals. Beidelman rounded out the quartet of double-digit scorers with 12 points in 40 minutes on the floor.
 
Wednesday was the first time Kutztown had four players in double figures since Dec. 18 against Pitt-Johnstown, when it placed all five starters in double figures.
 
Millersville used 14 three-pointers to help build and ultimately secure its early lead. Tyree Smith had a team-high 13 points with four three-pointers, as Tavon Parker was the only other Marauder in double figures at 12. 12 different players scored for Millersville.
 
Millersville won the battle of the boards, 40-38, the first time in six games that Kutztown was out-rebounded.
 
The Golden Bears continue their three-game road trip on Saturday, Jan. 18, when they travel to Lock Haven University for the first divisional game between the schools. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m.