Dallas, PA- Baptist Bible College fell to host Misericordia University 81-55 in tonight's 18th annual Laurel Line Tournment. A slow start and twenty-four turnovers put the Defenders behind early and allow the Cougars of Misericordia to take and hold onto the large lead. The loss puts the Defenders to 1-1 on the season.
The Cougars jumped out to a strong start lead 8-0 just a few minutes into the game. After getting on the board with a three point shot, the Defenders went cold allowing Misericordia to lead 27-16. A few defensive stops helped Baptist Bible to go on an 8-3 run, but Misericordia closed out the half strong. The Cougars took a 19 point lead into the break with a score of 37-18.
Misericordia would again go on another effective run to start the second half. They would stretch the lead to 48-22. The Defenders did not give up as they strung together a couple baskets to bring the deficit to 17 with eight and a half minutes remaining. The Cougars were just too much for the young Defenders in the 26 point win. With the win Misericordia will face Marywood University in the Laurel Line final. Baptist Bible College will take on PSU Hazleton, who lost 83-56 to Marywood, in the consolation game tomorrow at 6:00 pm at Misericordia.
Freshman Kyle Pannebaker (Lebanon, PA) lead the Defenders in two of the three major categories with 8 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists. Ryan Sullivan and Nathan Greve added 11 and 9 points respectively with both players grabbing 5 boards each.
Misericordia's Robbie Johnson lead all scorers with 20 as four players also scored in double figures. Jeff Slanovec added 17 and Dom DelPrete and Mark Williams had 10 each.
