The Shepherd Rams men’s basketball team (3-4, 2-2 MEC) dominated the second half of their matchup against the Glenville State Pioneers (0-7, 0-4 MEC) Saturday afternoon, Dec. 3, in Shepherdstown, W.Va., winning 85-68.
The Rams showed off their new all gold uniforms for the first time at home this season. In the first half, Shepherd played good fundamental basketball by setting screens for one another, spreading the floor, and communicating on defense.
Senior forward Gavin McTavish looked sharp from mid range in the first half. McTavish scored all 10 of his points in the first half of action.
Glenville’s Brooks Ely, a sophomore guard, had a game high 20 points, helping give the Pioneers the lead near the end of the first half.
The Rams forced seven turnovers, and contested many of the Pioneers’ shots. Shepherd would take back the lead with 1:20 left in the first half thanks to a three-pointer by senior guard Steffen Davis.
In the second half, Shepherd came out firing on offense, shooting 48.28 percent from the floor (14-29) and 50 percent beyond the three point line (5-10). What really separated Shepherd in the second half was their rebounding. For the game, the Rams finished with 15 second chance points.
Senior forward A.J. Carr of the Rams owned the paint Saturday, recording 17 rebounds, which tied his game-high record. Carr also would score 17 points to finish with a double-double.
The Rams had five players scoring in double figures. Sharp shooter Davis also had 17 points. Shepherd used its size to its advantage, attacking the interior of Glenville’s defense. This helped them draw fouls on Glenville.
The Rams also shot an impressive 20-of-24 from the free throw line (83.33%).
Junior Winston Burgess slammed down a windmill dunk with 39 seconds to play that sent the crowd roaring in the Butcher Center, putting an exclamation point on the game. Shepherd carried the momentum with them throughout the rest of the game.
The Rams outscored the Pioneers 53-37 in the second half, helping to secure their first home victory on the season.
The Rams will return to the court Wednesday, Dec. 6, when they host West Liberty in Shepherdstown at 7:30 p.m.
Justin Cole is a Sports Writer for the Picket. He can be reached at: jcole07@rams.shepherd.edu
