Despite an impressive performance by freshman forward Kwenton Scott, the Yellow Jackets opened up the season with an 88-71 loss to the visiting Lewis University Flyers.
The Jackets got off to a fast start to their first game of the Don Callan Classic. Scott scored eight of the team’s first 12 points, making all four of his shots. They took a 16-10 lead seven minutes into the game. This would be their largest lead, however, as the Flyers went on a 22-8 run to go up, 32-24.
Foul trouble was an issue for the home team. Starting center Robert Okoro scored the first two points of the game, but he was hit with two early fouls and had to sit much of the first half. Cedarville went into the break down 40-27.
The Flyers kept pouring it on at the beginning of the second half. Forward Max Strus got free for a dunk, a layup and another dunk for six quick points.
One bright play for the Jackets took place with seven minutes left, when junior forward Easton Bazzoli took a pass from sophomore Evan Kraatz and dunked on Strus while getting fouled.
Cedarville never shrunk the lead to less than 10 points, and the Flyers kept adding to their lead, winning 88-71.
Scott led the team with 17 points, while sophomore Patrick Bain added 16.
The Jackets shot 28 percent from three and 56 from the free throw line. They did not get many fast break opportunities and allowed 17 points off of turnovers while only scoring seven of their own.
The Jackets’ next home game is against Malone University, which will take place tonight, Nov. 14, at 7:15. It will be the second and final game in the fourth annual Don Callan Classic.
Jon Gallardo is a senior journalism major and sports editor for Cedars. He enjoys writing fiction and listening to music, and he’s never eaten chocolate.
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