he Shepherd University Rams are off to another hot start, winning four of their first five games of the season, and two of their last three games.
The Rams traveled to Davis & Elkins College on Wednesday, Nov. 19, and came away with the victory 75-73. Shepherd trailed at the half 33-27, but went on to outscore the Senators 48-40 in the second half. One reason for the rally was their shooting percentage in the half, shooting 57 percent from the field and 69 percent from beyond the three point line.
Senior forward Morgan McDonald led the team with 22 points and seven rebounds, while junior guard Garrett Burkhead scored 19 points and came away with two steals. Burkhead was very efficient from the field, only missing two shots during the game.
Shepherd would get a conference win over West Virginia Wesleyan by the score of 76-73. The Rams did a good job containing the Bobcats’ offense, holding them to 43 percent from the field, while the Rams shot 50 percent.
Freshman forward AJ Carr came off the bench and the led the Rams in both points and rebounds, scoring 18 points and grabbing five boards. Senior guard Austin Cunningham scored 12 points and led the team with six assists.
The Rams’ lone loss came on a 103-93 loss to Glenville State. Shepherd held a 10 point lead going into the half, however, they would struggle in the second half, being outscored 71-51.
Morgan McDonald had a great game, scoring 31 points and pulling down nine rebounds. Junior forward Ryan McTavish scored 18 points and grabbed five rebounds. Austin Cunningham had 10 points and led the team with seven assists. Donte Morales led the Pioneers with 37 points, while Reggie Williams had 26 points.
Shepherd will be on the road for their next two games, traveling to the University of Charleston for a conference matchup and then to Gannon University.