St. Andrew’s Marcus Connor weaves his way to the basket during the Knights win over the Broncos. Connor led five knights in double figures with 22 points, a season high.
St. Andrews shot 50.9-percent (28-of-55) from the field and held a 46-44 rebounding edge en route to the victory. The Knights (2-3 Overall) have shot over 50% in both of their victories this season. The Broncos (2-4) were held to 39.4% (28-of-71) shooting from the floor in their fourth straight loss.
Juniors Zack Garst and Marvin Jackson both posted double-doubles for the Knights. Garst scored 11 points and pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds in his third double-double of the season. Jackson tallied season-high totals of 19 points and 10 rebounds for his first double-double in a Royal Blue & White uniform.
“This team’s identity is hard-nosed defense and rebounding so I’m pleased that we were able to hold them to under 80 points and beat them on the boards,” said Richie Schueler, SAPC second year head coach. “FSU is very well coached [Alphonsa Kee] and has managed to lead their league [CIAA] in scoring, so it was to our player’s credit that we held them to 39% shooting from the field.”
SAPC was awarded more 17 more free throws that FSU making 26-of-41 (63.4%) free throws while the Broncos only made 14-of-24 (58.3%). Knights’ sophomore Aaron Christian swished 12-for-15 from the charity stripe. Christian just missed a double-double with 17 points and a season-high nine assists.
A total of five Knights scored in double digits including 12 points by Kurt Fenderbosch, who recorded all of his points on a game-high four 3-pointers.
“Five of our guys had double-figures in points and two in rebounds, particularly from our post players. We shot 51% from the field because our guys played unselfish and within their capabilities. I was happy to see Marcus [Connor] have what was probably the best game of his college career. From everyone on the bench to the guys on the floor, this was a team win,” expressed Schueler.
Fayetteville State used full court pressure to build an early 19-10 lead but St. Andrews settled down and outscored the Broncos 30-16 over the final 12 minutes of the first half to take a 40-35 lead into the locker room. The Knights committed 13 of their 19 turnovers in the opening period.
Schueler added, “More than anything, I’m proud of the way our team responded tonight. We were down 9-2 early, but the guys clawed back instead of caving in. In the past, we weren’t capable of closing the deal. This team is growing.”
Christian drilled a three-pointer after the intermission to build the St. Andrews lead to eight points but Fayetteville State rallied back with a 18-8 surge to take its final lead, 53-51, at the midway point of the second half. Jackson followed with a pair of lay-ups on passes from Christian to catapult the Knights into the lead for good.
The local showdown between two institutions that are only 50 miles apart featured 10 lead changes and 11 ties.
After the two deuces by Jackson, Connor continued the run with a breakaway dunk. St. Andrews regained an eight point cushion, 63-55, during the critical 12-2 run that was capped by back-to-back three pointers by Jackson and Fenderbosch.
The Knights prevented a Broncos comeback by making seven of their last eight field goals and 12 of their last 16 free throws in the final six minutes.
Connor continues to be a defensive force in the paint, recording a game-high four blocks and pulling down seven boards.
Junior Jamel Carpenter led the visitors with a game-high 26 points on 9-of-15 accuracy.
St. Andrews will continue its season long five-game home stand on Saturday in a Conference Carolinas class against rival Lees-McRae College with tip-off scheduled for 4 p.m.
Post a Comment
