Statesmen Struggle to Keep Pace in Loss to Benedictine

Oskaloosa--The William Penn men's basketball team couldn't generate enough momentum to overcome Benedictine, falling 79-65 in a Heart of America Athletic Conference matchup Saturday.

Benedictine (15-10, 14-7 Heart) held a narrow edge early, opening with an 8-7 lead. The teams traded baskets throughout the first half, but the Ravens gradually built a nine-point advantage. William Penn responded with a surge, piecing together a 12-2 run to tie the game at 32-32. However, Benedictine regained control, closing the half with five unanswered points to take a 37-32 lead into the locker room.

LeQuan Washington (Jr., Chicago, Ill.) paced the Statesmen with 12 points and eight rebounds before the intermission.

The Ravens came out strong in the second half, using a 13-4 run to extend their lead. The Statesmen fought to stay within striking distance, keeping the margin at single digits at 66-57, but Benedictine pulled away down the stretch, securing a 14-point victory.

Washington (Jr., Chicago, Ill.) led the way for WPU, posting a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Isaac Hoberecht (Jr., Carl Junction, Mo., Business Management) was the only other Statesman in double figures, finishing with 10 points.

Shooting struggles plagued William Penn, as they managed just 36.4% from the field, compared to Benedictine's 52.7%. From beyond the arc, the Ravens also held the upper hand, knocking down 48.3%, while WPU hit 36.8%. The Statesmen found some success at the free-throw line, converting 64.7%, while Benedictine shot just 53.8%.

Benedictine controlled the rebounding battle, outrebounding WPU 38-33. Neither team dominated the offensive glass, as the Statesmen collected nine offensive boards for nine second-chance points, while the Ravens secured four for six points. Turnovers favored William Penn, forcing 13 Benedictine miscues for 13 points, while the Statesmen committed just six turnovers, allowing four points.

"Benedictine hit shots and made plays, and we did not. It's that simple," said Head Coach John Henry. "We've been two entirely different teams this year: one in the first semester and another in the second. And the second one hasn't been very good."

Up Next: William Penn returns to action next Monday, hosting Clarke at 7:30 p.m. in Penn Gymnasium for another Heart showdown.