LaPlume, PA- Backed by an energy filled crowd, the Keystone College Giants were too much for the Defenders of Baptist Bible College as they took the Colonial States Athletic Conference rival victory 67-54. The win puts the Giants in second place in the CSAC while the Defenders are still searching for their first conference win.
The first half was marked by strong run from both teams. At the nine minute mark the Giants broke the game open going on a 12-0 run on 3 threes by Ryne Luce and an and-one dunk by Kenneth Hardnett. The Defenders responded stringing together 8 straight points with Tommy Waszaj hitting a three and taking it to the hole for a layup. Back to back dunks by Malcolm Boone and Hardnett extended Keystone's lead. The Giants would go into the half up 35-24.
The Defenders would stay resilient though cutting the deficit to seven before Keystone went on a 9-2 streak. Yet with ten minutes left in the game the Giants only held a 49-40 advantage. But another Keystone run would seal the deal as they took their largest lead of the game at 59-42 with less than five minutes on the clock.
Despite a poor shooting night, Keystone took advantage on the offensive glass by outrebound the Defenders 10-5. The Giants also took care of the ball only turning it over four times all game.
With 10 points and 10 rebounds, Baptist Bible was led by senior Travis Wash (Newport News, VA). Tommy Waszaj (East Brunswick, NJ) scored 15 points in the losing effort. Also adding to the offense, Nathan Greve (Arcanum, OH) netted 11 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and handed out 4 assists.
Kenneth Hardnett led the Giants with a double-double including 17 points and 11 boards. On senior night, Keystone’s two seniors Ryne Luce and Spencer Lunger each scored 15 points. Malcolm Boone also notched 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists in the win.
The Defenders (2-20, 0-16) will play their final home game on Thursday at 7:00 pm. They will try to avenge their overtime loss to the Ravens of Rosemont College.
