Ragab
Matt Durisko
61
Gannon Gannon 8-4,5-3 PSAC
66
Winner East Stroudsburg ESU 9-5,7-3 PSAC
Gannon Gannon
8-4,5-3 PSAC
61
Final
66
East Stroudsburg ESU
9-5,7-3 PSAC
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Gannon Gannon 22 39 61
East Stroudsburg ESU 31 35 66

Game Recap: Men's Basketball | | Bob Shreve, Assistant Director of Athletics Media Relations

Defenses Dominate as Gannon Rally Comes Up Short at East Stroudsburg

EAST STROUDSBURG, Pa. – The Gannon men's basketball team returned to action after nearly a two-week layoff and while turning in an outstanding defensive effort, came up just short in its final PSAC crossover game, dropping a 66-61 decision at East Stroudsburg. The loss leaves the Golden Knights at 8-4 overall and 5-3 in PSAC action. East Stroudsburg won its third straight game to move to 9-5 overall and 7-3 in conference.

The physical contest saw both teams struggle with their shooting and experience extended scoring droughts. Gannon made 22-of-66 shots to finish at 33.3 percent. That only came after a 15-for-37 (40.5 pct.) effort in the second half. The Golden Knights actually outshot the Warriors, as ESU came in at 31.1 percent (19-of-61). Gannon made 4-of-21 3-pointers and ESU was at 6-of-26.

The difference came at the charity stripe. Gannon's shooting problems extended to the free throw line with a 13-of-23 showing, while ESU was 22-of-31. The Warriors final nine points came at the line as Gannon was forced to foul.

Gannon would hold an early lead on Robertas Jonaitis' (Pakruojis, Lithuania/Greater Beckley Christian School) layup at the 16:23 mark before East Stroudsburg ran off 11 straight points to go ahead 18-8. Gannon would endure a period of almost 11 minutes without a basket, missing 11 shots and turning the ball over six times against ESU's pressing defense. The Golden Knights made just two free throws during the stretch as ESU extended its advantage to 24-10. Braden Olsen's (West Linn, Ore./West Linn) layup at 5:35 remaining in the half thanks to a nice pass from Ali Ragap finally ended the dry spell.

ESU would follow with a 3-pointer to take its largest lead at 27-12 before Gannon closed to within 31-22 at the half.

The Gannon defense was not to be outdone in the second half, repeatedly getting stops. ESU would build its advantage to 41-27 early in the second half, but the hustling Golden Knights would push the Warriors the rest of the half.

Ragab, a seven-foot freshman, played a huge role in the comeback. Trailing 47-38, Ragab scored back-to-back baskets on offensive rebounds to pull the Knights to within 47-42 with just under ten minutes remaining.

On the defensive end, while only credited with one blocked shot, he altered numerous attempts while anchoring the paint. Gannon would hold East Stroudsburg to just two baskets in the last 11 minutes. The Warriors' last basket came with five minutes to play.

Unfortunately, ESU made nine free throws the rest of the way to hold off Gannon's comeback attempt. The Golden Knights pulled to within four points on two occasions, the second in the final minute. An Olsen three made it 61-57 with 40 seconds to play.

ESU's Tony Jones immediately made a pair of free throws, and Gannon's next possession resulted in a missed layup. Marc Rodriguez added two more free throws with 27 seconds showing to make it 65-57 and give ESU enough cushion to hold on for the win.

Lance-Amir Paul (Kingston, Jamaica/Putnam Science Academy) and Ragab each posted double-doubles. Paul, a 6'0" guard, had 16 points and a season-high 13 rebounds for his second double-double. Ragab also now has two double-doubles after scoring 10 points, all in the second half, while matching his season high with 11 rebounds.

The duo joined Alonde LeGrand (Harlem, N.Y./Berkshire) to lead Gannon to a 49-44 advantage on the glass after the Golden Knights were outrebounded by four boards in the first half. LeGrand added 12 rebounds, his fourth game with 10-or-more rebounds.     

Olsen was also in double figures with 11 points off the bench. Head coach Kelvin Jefferson welcomed back Ike Herster (Sharon, Pa./Kennedy Catholic), Kevin Dodds (Downingtown, Pa./Bishop Shanahan), and Jonaitis after the trio missed the last two games. Herster came in as the team's leading score and would contribute six points.

Carlos Pepin led East Stroudsburg with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Lakeem McAliley was the only other Warrior in double figures with 10 points.

After having several games postponed in recent weeks, Gannon faces a busy schedule ahead. The next four weeks finds the Golden Knights playing on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday each week. They have little time to get ready for another road game, playing at Cal U on Monday, January 24. Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m.
 
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