Grove City,  PA. — The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford men's basketball team battled back from a 7-point halftime deficit to defeat the Grove City Wolverines 83-78 on Wednesday night. 

 

Jamarion Butler got Pitt-Bradford started, opening the game with a fast-break slam dunk after a steal. He kept the hosts within reach over the next four minutes, adding two more layups to go along with a Jesse Laster slam, however, the Panthers struggled to slow the hosts, who raced out to a 17-8 lead. Logan Joncas hit a three that started an 11-0 run which saw the Panthers erase the deficit and take the lead on a Butler putback after 10 minutes of play.

 

The teams exchanged baskets for the next 7 minutes of play, with neither team opening up a multi-possession lead. After Butler made a layup to give the Panthers a 33-32 advantage with 4 minutes remaining in the half, Pitt-Bradford hit a cold streak. They were not able to score for 3 minutes and 40 seconds, allowing the Wolverines to open up a 10-point lead. LAster was able to make a three with 14 seconds left on the clock, slowing the momentum as the game went to halftime with Grove City ahead 43-36.

 

For the second time in as many games, the Panthers came out of the locker room firing in the second half, scoring the first six points of the period to cut the deficit to one point after 90 seconds. They could not maintain their momentum and allowed Grove City to score the next nine points to push their lead to 12. With 14:40 on the clock, Chris Martin made a three, starting a 13-0 Pitt-Bradford run to get them back in the game. 

 

The Panthers finally retook the lead on a pair of Jesse Laster free throws with 6 minutes left in the game. Xavion Boone made a pair of layups to give Pitt-Bradford a 78-70 lead, and despite a late Grove City run, the Panthers were able to put the game away from the charity stripe, holding on for the 83-78 victory.

 

Jamarion Butler led the Panthers with 28 points and 11 rebounds. He made 11-17 from the field and also added 3 steals. Jesse Laster also reached double figures, finishing with 16 points. Coby Farley provided a valuable spark off the bench, scoring 10 points and grabbing 7 rebounds.

 

The victory moves Pitt-Bradford to 2-0 on the season. They will open their home slate on Saturday, Nov.  16th, when they host Penn State-DuBois. Tip-off is slated for 2:00 p.m. In KOA Arena.