The Shepherd Men’s basketball team got off to a hot start this season winning both games in the Clarion Hotel Conference Challenge last weekend, as well as defeating Virginia Union 78-68, Tuesday night Nov 13 in Shepherdstown.
The Rams were led by sophomore Thomas Lang who scored a game high 23 points, with four assiss. Lang has had the hot hand so far this season offensively, as he is a sharp shooter from behind the three point line, and is quick off the dribble leaving defenders behind him as he drives to the basket.
Going into this season the big question was, who is going to take the leadership role on the court? I believe Lang and senior Winston Burgess have taken over those roles so far.
Tuesday night, the Rams moved the ball around well against Virginia Union’s zone defense. It was great to see all five players on the court pass the ball around to find an open shooter or an open lane.
Shepherd shot a total of 46 percent from the field, and 36 percent from the three point line, which is an average shooting percentage. Interior the Rams scored 22 points in the paint, but allowed 40 points in the paint defensively.
Burgess had great intensity throughout the game, with his two hand slam dunks, and a few blocks on the other end of the court. The senior finished with 16 points and eight rebounds, and shot seven of nine from the field.
Shepherd maintained the lead throughout the second half, as they led by as much as 19 points. Halfway through the half, VUU decided to full court press the Rams but it wasn’t much help due to Shepherd’s great ball movement.
Senior guard Derrick McKnight had a strong performance in the second half, finishing with 14 points and eight assists.
The Rams look to keep their hot streak going when they play their first in conference game against West Virginia State University Nov 17.
Justin Cole is a Sports Reporter for the Picket, he can be reached at: jcole07@rams.shepherd.edu
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