ESU Puts the ‘W’ in the Warriors

Photo Credit / Ronald Hanaki Sophomore forward Kobi Nwandu scored a career-high 29 points against Concordia last Monday night.. Photo Credit / Ronald Hanaki
Sophomore forward Kobi Nwandu scored a career-high 29 points against Concordia last Monday night..

By Alexis Criscuolo
Contributing Writer

ESU’s Men’s Basketball team advanced to 4-0 on the season after a 106-82 home victory over the Concordia (N.Y.) College Clippers last Monday night.

The Warriors controlled the pace for most of the game and kept a steady lead throughout both halves of play with sophomore forward Kobi Nwandu coming out on top as the lead scorer with a career-high 29 points.

Monday night’s game started with a jump ball won by fifth year medical redshirt-senior forward Steve Harris giving the Warriors the first possession of the game.

But Harris missed his jumper, and the Clippers scored off of an offensive rebound. Redshirt-junior guard Jakwan Jones answered for the Warriors with a three-pointer, and the game was on.

Approximately ten minutes into the first half, a timeout was called with ESU holding a slim 18-17 lead.

Play resumed with both teams trading baskets.

With the game tied at 22, the Warriors went on a scoring run. Senior forward Ralik Wise and freshman guard Marc Rodriguez paced the action as the Warriors began to build their lead.

When the Clippers called a 30-second timeout, ESU led Concordia 31-22.

The Warriors continued to make baskets and extended their lead into double-digits.

With approximately three seconds left in the first half, Concordia inbounded the ball. Redshirt-junior guard Cedrick McFadden was able to sink a three, but the Warriors ended the first half with a comfortable 51-33 lead.

The Warriors came out of halftime strong as junior guard Nick Giordano sunk two three-pointers, and ESU’s famous press defense forced a turnover all within the first 45 seconds.

The crowd kept a positive and upbeat vibe throughout the game for the Warriors. The energy from the fans was electric.

Toward the end of the second half, the whistle was blown. Time was stopped as Concordia’s McFadden fell on the court with an injury during a Warrior breakaway. He was helped off the court by a medical trainer for what appeared to be an injured ankle.

In the last thirty seconds, ESU gained possession and ran out the clock to the delight of the Koehler Krazies. It was the third time this season where the Warriors topped 100 points in a game.

Overall, this was a fast-paced game. The Warriors clearly dictated the tempo and scored nearly one-third of their points off turnovers.

ESU also outscored its opponent in the paint by nearly 20 points. The Warrior bench outscored Concordia’s bench 35-25.

The undefeated Warriors (4-0, 2-0) continue their home stand this Saturday against PSAC West rival Seton Hill (3-3, 1-1).

Email Alexis at:
acriscuolo@live.esu.edu