In a rematch of last year's NAIA tournament game of Bears vs. Golden Bears, SSU comes away with a victory 93-62. In the friendly confines of Waller Gymnasium, the SSU Bears proved to be too much for the WV Tech Golden Bears.
Shawnee's depth, length, energy, and athleticism was a significant factor. In the first half, their defense forced 12 Tech turnovers, while visitors managed only 8 made field goals. SSU's aggressive defense recorded 9 steals that lead to fast break opportunities and open looks the Bears knocked down. After Tech hit two early threes, SSU rattled off 16 straight points to take an 18-6 lead and control of the game.
The deflections, steals, and defensive energy allowed the Bears to continue to extend their lead throughout the half. SSU's balanced attack and unselfish play kept momentum in the Bear's favor. An Issac Abergut three at the half time buzzer pushed the lead to 43-22 at the break.
SSU came out firing again after the half, getting shots at the basket including back to back dunks. The first was an impressive Miles Thomas throw down off a lob from Amier Gilmore, followed by an offensive rebound and slam by Latavious Mitchell, pushing the lead to 50-28. Shawnee's balance attack and relentless defense continued to extend the lead, which grew to 30 on a Courtese Cooper dunk from a Tre Beard assist. All 14 Bears saw action tonight with 12 players scoring in the ballgame, as SSU cruised to 93-62 victory, to improve to 3-0 on the young season.
- Miles Thomas led the way with 24 pts., and an impressive 7-12 from the floor
- Amier Gilmore stuffed the stat sheet with 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists
- Issac Abergut knocked down 5-6 threes for 15 points
- Latavious Mitchell had 11 points to go along with 6 rebounds
- Donoven Carlisle pitched in with 11 points and 5 rebounds, hitting 5 of his 6 fga
- 5 Bears recorded 2 or more steals
- SSU dominated the glass outrebounding WV Tech 34-21
The Bears are back in action November 12th as they travel to Rio Grande to take on the Redstorm in the Bevo Francis Invitational tip-off scheduled for 8:00 PM.
