Lancaster, Pa. – The Lancaster Bible College Men's Basketball team squared off against the Wildcats of Penn College in their fourth conference game of the season. The Chargers earned their third United East win and eighth overall win, 94-86. Following the win, the Chargers improve to 8-8 overall and 3-1 in conference while the Wildcats drop to 4-12 overall and 1-3 in conference.
 
How it Happened: The game opened off with a hot start for the Chargers as freshman Connor Storr sunk a floater and senior Grant Sareyka followed it with a three-pointer to make it 5-0. Gavin Barrett got the Wildcats on the board with a three-pointer, three of his 30-point outing. The two teams continued to trade points and the lead, three times to be exact, before the Wildcats took an 11-point lead following another trey from the visiting team with 5:47 left. The Chargers managed to chip away, heading to halftime down six points, 52-46.
 
Looking to respond in the second half, the Chargers did just that, taking back the lead 57-55 off back-to-back layups from Storr. After several baskets from both squads, the Wildcats found themselves with a three-point lead with 7:16 left to play in regulation. The Chargers responded by putting together their most explosive run of the game, beginning with senior Seth Beers' fourth three-pointer of the night followed by two pivotal steals which were converted for layups, making it a nine-point swing. Keeping their distance, the Chargers went on to secure a 94-86 conference win.
 
From the Coach: "I disliked our defensive effort and ball security in the first half but loved our second half defensive effort & energy. Proud of our response and leadership in the second half. We did an excellent job turning them over 26 times and collecting 19 steals. Our defensive pressure was more active and alive in the second half which reflected in the second half score. 
 
We are still growing and learning how to be consistent for 40 minutes but encouraged that we have been making progress over the past few games. We just must keep improving daily, in practices and games." – Head Coach Jon Mack
 
By the Numbers: The Chargers shot 47-percent (38-80) from the field, 26-percent (9-34) from three, and 56-percent (9-16) from the charity stripe… the Wildcats shot 51-percent (29-56) from the field, 41-percent (7-17) from three, and 75-percent (21-28) from the free throw line. The Chargers forced 26 turnovers including 19 steals and scoring 31 points off those turnovers… four players were in double-figures including Grant Sareyka (20), Seth Beers (19), Connor Storr (16), and Luke Rumbaugh (16)… Beers dished out six assists… Barrett had a game-high 30 points.
 
Up Next: The Chargers hit the road for another conference matchup with Penn St. Berks on Saturday, January 13 at 1:00 p.m.