Viansa Bastidas
Contributing Writer
ESU Men’s Basketball defeated West Chester University 103-74 at Koehler Fieldhouse Saturday afternoon, pushing their overall record to 20-2 for the season. Recording their 20th win of the year.
With fans and crowds pulsing with energy and excitement, the Warriors went up against their rivals, beating them for the second time this season. Holding eleventh place in the National Division ll poll, ESU pushes along as their season progresses in good spirits after the recent win.
“It’s always competitive energy when going against West Chester University,” junior Josh Meschach commented during the break,
After asking Meschach if he believed the Warriors were going to win the game, he confidently stated, “We are definitely going to win tonight, no doubt about it.” This infectious energy was felt throughout the entire game as the marching band continuously kept the crowd roaring for West Chester to pack their bags as the Warriors pushed harder with each passing minute.
During the first quarter, Lakeem McAliley scored the first point for the Warriors. McAliley was one of the major players in this game, registering a total of 16 points in the contest. Alongside McAliley, sophomore Tyshawn Trail carried the second half of the game with a total of 22 points. Trail and McAliley were seen having strong communication with their teammates during both periods, which was vital to beating the Rams.
Saturday was Men’s Basketball’s Alumni Day, bringing in past alumni to watch as they crushed West Chester. During the second period, former shooting guard Montreal Morgan, class of 2021, was in the stands watching the Warriors play. This was the first game he’d come to see this season, and he had some positive comments to make about the men’s abilities.
“I’m really impressed with tonight’s game. Being that it is my first game of the year, I’m really impressed with the game so far. I’m also really impressed with Justin Paz and Shamir Johnson. They are doing really good this game.”
In ESU spirit, Morgan was in ESU attire as he cheered his team to victory. Morgan was also seen with other basketball alumni who had also played for ESU. All were excited to see the Warriors beat their long-time rivals in a clean sweep.
Even with the first point of the game being made by West Chester, the Warriors took the game back into their hands at the end of the first period. With the scores at 48 and 36, the Warriors were in the lead, with the Rams trailing by 12 points. The energy at Koehler Fieldhouse was brimming with energy as the second half commenced, with the Warriors holding their heads high in the lead. The ESU Warriors added 55 points to their score, securing a major victory at home.
Men’s Basketball will be traveling to their next game in Lock Haven, P.A., on Wednesday, Feb. 14, at 7:30 p.m. against the Bald Eagles of Lock Haven University. Let’s see if the Warriors can secure their 21st win this season!
