Men's basketball cruises past Principia

GREENVILLE, Ill. -- The men's basketball team returned to the win column on Tuesday night in H.J. Long Gymnasium when they dominated Principia in a 139-113 win.

Greenville jumped ahead early, collecting a 12 point lead in the first five minutes of the game when a steal and layup by Josias Parker gave Greenville a 22-10 advantage.

Principia managed to make it a five-point game later in the first half, but Greenville went to halftime leading by a 69-59 score.

The Panthers increased the intensity in the opening moments of the second half, quickly pushing the score to 82-61 in the first two and a half minutes.

The margin between the teams eventually reached 28 points before GU settled for the 26 point victory.

The Panthers featured eight players who recorded double-digit scoring efforts.

Marvin Bateman led the pack of scorers with a 20 point game.  He made 7-of-12 shots, including a mark of 6-of-10 behind the three-point line.

Johari Dix had a complete game with 18 points and team-highs in assists (9), steals (7), and rebounds (7).

Eric Williams and Swade Edwards each provided 15 points.

Josias Parker added 14 points, six assists, and four steals, and Isiah Price tallied 13 points and nine assists.

Rakim Murphy posted a 12 point evening, and Daniel Saeli hit the 10 point mark.

Barry Nixon was active under the basket with seven rebounds and four blocked shots.

The Panthers (11-6, 8-2 SLIAC) go to Blackburn on Saturday for a game at 3 p.m.