Men's basketball struggles in loss to Principia

Men's basketball struggles in loss to Principia

GREENVILLE, Ill. -- The men's basketball team suffered through a cold shooting night as they were topped 117-101 by Principia on Tuesday night.  The Panthers couldn't get on track with their offense the entire night as they made just 34 percent of their field goal attempts, including an 18.5 percent 10-of-54 night behind the three-point line.

The Panthers trailed 60-45 at halftime, and they cut the deficit to three with five minutes remaining in the game.  Principia went on a 24-11 run to end the game.

Elmo Smith was the Panthers top scorer with 18 points.  Stevonte Young posted a 17 point outing.

Shane Smith followed Elmo Smith and Young with 16 points.  DeAndre Brown provided 15 points.

Brown picked up eight rebounds, and Young had seven assists.

The Panthers (19-5, 13-4 SLIAC) will aim to clinch the SLIAC regular season championship, a 20 win season, and hosting rights in the SLIAC tournament with a win Saturday afternoon against Blackburn.  The game will begin at 3 p.m., and the Panthers will recognize their seniors with eight minutes remaining in the pregame warmup.