Beaver defeats CCAC in season opener

Lions win over Cougars, 94-90.

Penn State Beaver vs. CCAC November 9, 2015
Penn State Beaver vs. CCAC November 9, 2015
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November 9, 2015

By: Haley Paul

Monaca, PA -- Beaver defeats CCAC in season opener, 94-90.

Beaver came out fast to open the game, taking a 13 point lead (21-8) on a 3-point shot by DJ Austin (East Liverpool, OH / East Liverpool) at the 13:14 mark.  They increased their lead to 15 (25-10) just minutes later on a layup by senior, Lamont Wright (Pittsburgh, PA/Penn Hills).  Just when Beaver thought they had found a comfortable pace and lead in the game, CCAC started to find their rhythm and push back.  With a little over five minutes to play in the first half, CCAC had narrowed the score to a five point margin (31-36).  Realizing they couldn't sit back on their heels, Beaver picked up their tempo and incresed their lead to 15 once again on another Austin 3-pointer with just 1:55 in the half.  As time ran out, Beaver carried a 49-38 lead into halftime.

To open the second half, CCAC came out fast and quickly narrowed the score to five points (55-60) with 16:32 to play.  Much like the first half, CCAC would pressure Beaver and Beaver would respond, taking several double digit leads.  With 9:37 to play Beaver held the lead 78-65, but in just 90 seconds, CCAC would again narrow the score to five (73-78).  This late push set the tempo for the final minutes as CCAC came within two (88-90) with under a minute to play hitting several key free throws along the way.  Despite the late effort by CCAC, Beaver hung on to win by a final score of 94-90.

Leading the Lions was Eric Gallupe (Sewickley, Pa / Avonworth) with 23 points and 11 rebounds for his first double-double of the season.  He was followed by Marcus Smith (Pittsburgh, PA/Perry) and Wright with 18 and 17 respectively. 

Beaver returns to action on Friday, November 13th when they travel to Ohio Valley.