St. Mary’s College of Maryland Defeats Penn State Berks in Thrilling UEC Matchup
In a thrilling United East Conference (UEC) matchup, the St. Mary’s College of Maryland men’s basketball team emerged victorious over Penn State Berks with a final score of 86-79. This marked the Seahawks’ second consecutive win, improving their overall record to 9-7 and their conference record to 5-2. The game was a display of balanced offense and critical rebounds that propelled St. Mary’s to success.
A Game of Lead Changes and Tied Scores
The game was a back-and-forth battle, with six lead changes and six tied scores keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Despite St. Mary’s leading 21-19 midway through the first half, Penn State Berks managed to take a slim 35-34 lead into halftime. The Lions extended their lead to 43-38 early in the second half, putting pressure on the Seahawks. However, a resilient St. Mary’s team rallied back with a 13-2 run that shifted the momentum in their favor, giving them a 61-52 advantage with less than 10 minutes left in the game.
Key Players Shine in Critical Moments
During the decisive run that secured the win for St. Mary’s, sophomore guard Kyree Smith and junior captain Jake Koverman stepped up with key baskets that propelled the team forward. While the Lions managed to tie the game at 72-all late in the game, the Seahawks closed out strong with a 14-7 run, thanks to flawless free-throw shooting down the stretch.
Dominance in Rebounding and Paint
St. Mary’s displayed dominance in key areas, outrebounding Berks 45-26 and outscoring them 46-28 in the paint. The team’s efficient shooting, particularly their 53.8 percent field goal percentage and near-perfect free-throw shooting, played a crucial role in securing the win. However, turnovers proved to be a weakness for the Seahawks, allowing Berks to capitalize and stay competitive throughout the game.
In conclusion, St. Mary’s impressive performance against Penn State Berks sets the stage for an exciting matchup against Lancaster Bible College on January 18th. Fans can expect a thrilling game at the MPOARC Arena in St. Mary’s City, as the Seahawks aim to continue their winning streak in the UEC. Stay tuned for more action-packed basketball from this talented team!
