ESU Dominates LHU in PSAC First Round

Communication studies scholar Wes Cherry gets ready to defend an inbounds pass. Photo Credit / Ronald Hanaki Communication studies scholar Wes Cherry gets ready to defend an inbounds pass. Photo Credit / Ronald Hanaki
Communication studies scholar Wes Cherry gets ready to defend an inbounds pass. Photo Credit / Ronald Hanaki
Communication studies scholar Wes Cherry gets ready to defend an inbounds pass.
Photo Credit / Ronald Hanaki

By Anthony Fabrikant
Staff Writer

The ESU Warriors were dominant on defense Saturday at Koehler Fieldhouse as they limited Lock Haven to 28.6 percent shooting in the first half.

The Warriors were led offensively by Rasheed Moore who scored nineteen points and forced the twenty-two Lock Haven turnovers in an 82-59 ESU victory.

Jamal Nwaniemeka hit three three-pointers for the Warriors and Quindell Brice contributed eleven points off the bench.

The Warriors had four players score in the double-figures as Will Brown added eleven points to the cause.

Ultimately, the Warriors only turned the ball over twelve times; their offensive efficiency was the key to their ability to go on a 15-0 run in the first half that put them in the driver’s seat for the rest of the way.

By minimizing their mistakes, ESU never afforded Lock Haven the opportunity to get back into the game.

Ryan Krawczeniuk was a force off the bench and led the Warriors with three of their nine steals while also netting eight assists.

The Warriors were tenacious and never allowed Lock Haven to get comfortable with their shot selection in forcing the visitors to shoot 66.7 percent from the free-throw line.

Key contributions from the bench helped the Warrior reserves outscore Lock Haven’s 36-12.

Dave Garcia led the way for Lock Haven with sixteen points.However, he was only one of three players to score in the double-digits for Lock Haven.

Craig Slade added twelve rebounds, but the turnovers and inability to make shots were too much for Lock Haven to overcome.

For the PSAC East’s third-seeded Warriors, victory means that they will travel to and face the second-seeded West Chester Golden Rams on Tuesday night in the PSAC quarterfinals.

The Warriors could punch their seventh consecutive ticket to the PSAC Semi-finals with a victory on Tuesday night.

If they continue to play as they did Saturday, they will be a tough out for any team in the tournament.

Email Anthony at:
afabrikant@live.esu.edu