Lancaster Bible 94, Penn College 51

Penn College Starters
Blackwell, Barrett, Jackowsky, White & Coyne
 
LBC Starters
Seth Beers, Tyler Hilton, Grant Sareyka, Jordan Shewbridge & Caleb Carpenter
 
How It Happened
The Lancaster Bible College men's basketball team raced out to an early lead, defeating Penn College by a score of 94-51 on Monday, January 17.
 
The Chargers (8-5 Overall, 4-0 United East) got off to a fast start scoring on their opening possession when Caleb Carpenter found Tyler Hilton in the paint for an easy layup. Penn College (2-10 Overall, 2-3 United East) connected on a 3-pointer, to grab the early 3-2 lead. LBC responded going on a 7-0 run sparked by a three-point play from Hilton. Later in the half, the Chargers seized control of the game, going an 18-0 run powered by the Chargers' outstanding defense. LBC forced Penn College into 14 first half turnovers, creating easy scoring chances in transition. During the run, LBC found their range with Grant Sareyka and Jordan Shewbridge each draining a 3-pointer. The Chargers continued to push the advantage with Seth Beers draining a pair of 3-pointers, allowing the Chargers to grab a 30-point lead. LBC closed the half by scoring the final five points, with Jakari Wilkins hitting a layup just before the buzzer to put LBC ahead 54-15 heading into the break.
 
LBC continued rolling in the second half, with Shewbridge swishing another 3-pointer. Stoltzfus and Hilton each added a layup, giving the Chargers a 63-19 advantage. LBC remained in control, continuing to use their transition offense to create some easy baskets. Sareyka took advantage of the fast break opportunities, scoring seven consecutive points, capped off with a 3-pointer to put LBC ahead 81-39. Sareyka led all scorers with 21-points. Leading by 40 points late in the game, the Chargers turned to their bench players to bring home the victory. Tyshaun Pulley and Ryan Hilton scored a basket each in the closing minutes, securing the 94-51 victory.
 
Inside The Numbers
- The Chargers were led by Grant Sareyka who scored 21 points, going 3-5 from beyond the arc
- Jordan Shewbridge scored 19 points, draining three 3-pointers
- Seth Beers added 11 points while dishing six assists
- Tyler Hilton went 5-6 from the field, scoring 11 points
- Adam Stoltzfus scored 13 points and added 13 rebounds
- Penn College was led by Gavin Barrett who scored 13 points
- The Chargers won battle on the glass, holding a 46-36 advantage in the first half
- LBC's defense held the Wildcats to 15 first half points, forcing 14 turnovers
 
Coaching Points
"I think we played our best defense of the season in the first half. I was proud of our guys being locked into the game plan and executing on both ends," said head coach Jon Mack. "When we are executing on both ends at a high level, we have a chance to be really good.  Penn College has been playing some good ball the past few games and it was paramount for us to get off to a great start. In the second half, I thought our execution was inconsistent on the offensive end but pleased that we remained consistent defensively to finish out the game. We will look to build off this performance and get ready for our next challenge against a very good Harrisburg team on Wednesday."
 
Who's Next
The men's basketball team will travel to face defending United East Conference Champions Penn St. Harrisburg on Wednesday, January 19 with the tip-off scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
 
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