Early Juanita Lead Holds As Panthers Suffer Road Non-Conference Setback

Photo by Erika Helo
Photo by Erika Helo

HUNTINGDON, Pa. – Juniata climbed out to a big lead early that would eventually hold tough as the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford men's basketball team fell, 95-62, Monday evening in a non-conference matchup.

"We got off to a really slow start and could not defend the paint well enough tonight to compete," Head Coach Sean Brown Sr. said. "Offensively, we turned the ball over too much and could not recover. In the second half, we had our way with them offensively. We moved the ball well, got to the rim and turned our pressure defense up, forcing 20 turnovers. We got a big-time contribution from Malique McCoy. We are looking to get back on track Friday against Colgate (Division I) as this is our last contest until after the New Year and we are going there to compete."
 
McCoy led all scorers with 14 points while Dylan Niedermeyer chipped in nine of his own. Christian Kelly-Perkins was close behind with eight points.

Juniata scored the first 20 points of the game before Niedermeyer knocked down a three-pointer and Sahlil Harris corralled a steal and laid it in on the other end for two quick scores for the Panthers.

Colby Mills connected on a three-pointer, McCoy hit two free throws and Harris knocked down a jumper later in the half as Juniata took a 43-12 lead into halftime.

The Panthers forced eight turnovers in the first half and grabbed four steals. Harris had a pair while Kelly-Perkins and McCoy had one apiece.

Pitt-Bradford put together a strong second half and scored 50 points.

McCoy scored 12 of his 14 total points in the second half, going 5-8 from the field and connecting on his lone three-point attempt of the frame.

The Panthers forced 12 turnovers in the second half and turned the ball over just four times themselves.

Pitt-Bradford also attempted 19 free throws in the second half and connected on 13 – five coming from Darius Jones.

McCoy also led the Panthers with seven rebounds.

Harris led the Panthers with three steals and also blocked a shot. Dylan Mitchell led Pitt-Bradford with a pair of blocks.

Up next, the Panthers will travel to Colgate (Division I) on Friday at 2:00 p.m.