Justin DeBuck
Mike Gallagher
90
Winner Gannon Gannon 4-2,0-0 PSAC
72
Salem (WV) Salem 1-2,0-0 DII Independent
Winner
Gannon Gannon
4-2,0-0 PSAC
90
Final
72
Salem (WV) Salem
1-2,0-0 DII Independent
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Gannon Gannon 47 43 90
Salem (WV) Salem 35 37 72

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

DeBuck Drops in 20 Points to Lead No. 7 Gannon to 90-72 Win at Salem

SALEM, W.Va. – The Gannon men's basketball team ran its winning streak to four straight games while leading from start to finish on Saturday, picking up a 90-72 win at Salem. With the victory the Golden Knights improved to 4-2 while Salem dropped to 1-2.

Just three players scored in double figures, the first time this year that Gannon didn't have at least five in double digits. But those three combined for 55 points and nine of the ten players who played for Gannon scored.

Turnovers once again proved a major factor, as Gannon forced the Tigers into 28 turnovers that led to 29 points. Gannon was guilty of 19 turnovers but they led to just 16 points.

After a rough start in which Gannon allowed more than 100 points in each of its first two games, the Golden Knights have shown marked improvement. They have held the last four opponents to 77 points or less.

Gannon will open PSAC action this coming weekend when Bloomsburg and East Stroudsburg visit Hagerty Family Events Center. The Golden Knights host Bloomsburg on Friday, November 22, with ESU coming to town the next day.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Justin DeBuck (Broward County, Fla./Pembroke Pines Charter) hit a 3-pointer and the Golden Knights were off and running. Gannon jumped out to a 24-8 lead as eight different players scored. Salem closed to within eight points at 37-29 with just under four minutes remaining in the half but Gannon would take a 47-35 lead into intermission.

Gannon's lead never fell under double figures over the final 20 minutes. Salem cut the deficit to 10 for the last time at 64-54 midway through the half but the Golden Knights answered with the next six points, including a Lucas Sekasi (Washington, DC/Jackson-Reed) 3-pointer. The lead eventually grew to as much as 20 points on two occasions.    

BY THE NUMBERS
The Golden Knights were actually outshot by Salem, with the Tigers coming in at 41.8 percent (28-of-67) while Gannon was at 40.5 percent (34-of-84). Gannon made 7-of-30 3-pointers while Salem was 4-of-19. The Golden Knights attempted 50 shots in the first half while going to the free throw line just twice. They were much more frequent visitors to the charity stripe in the second half, ending the day at 15-of-24. Salem ended up making 12 of 19 free throws.

Rebounding and turnovers keyed the win. Gannon held a 56-42 advantage on the glass and forced 28 turnovers while committing 19. The Golden Knights outscored the Tigers 29-16 in points off turnovers.

Justin DeBuck (Broward County, Fla./Pembroke Pines Charter) led Gannon with 20 points, his highest total as a Golden Knight. The grad transfer made 8-of-12 field goals, including a 3-pointer, and was 3-of-4 at the line. He added three steals.

After making just one basket in the first half Ernest Shelton (Philadelphia, Pa./Father Judge) heated up in the second half and ended the day with 18 points, making 3-of-10 3-pointers. He was 5-of-6 at the line.

Tasman Goodrick (Sydney, Australia/St. Joseph's College) had his third double double with 17 points and 16 rebounds. It's the second time in the last three games that he has pulled down 16 boards. The 6-foot-9 sophomore added four steals and three blocked shots. He has scored in double figures in all six games.

Pace Prosser (Berlin, Pa./Berlin Brothersvalley) fell a point shy of double figures but had his usual well-rounded game with nine points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. Layne Sarver (New Madison, Ohio/Tri-Village) also pulled down seven boards to go with seven points. Freshman Mason Kemp (Shawnee, Kan./Mill Valley) contributed eight points.  

NEXT FOR THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS
Gannon hosts Bloomsburg on Friday, November 22 at Hagerty Family Events Center. Tipoff is TBA.  
 
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