The Eagles grabbed a quick 8-2 lead in Johnstown, PA, on Friday night and took advantage of a dormant period by Penn Highlands enroute to a 104-60 victory. It was their second straight win and the second game in a row they eclipsed the century mark.
After the navy and gold shot out to their early cushion, two in-rhythm triples by Ethan Bower powered the lead to 15-5. Soon a 9-0 run would turn a 12-point, 19-7, KSU Tusc advantage into a 28-7 edge with 10 minutes left in the opening half. The upper hand was punctuated by three big Kameron Shockley dunks as he exploded to the rim twice outracing PHCC defenders the length of the court with a defensive board.
The ominous cloud hanging over the torpid Black Bears still hovered at the 6:18 mark, as the Golden Eagles lit up the scoreboard for 43 points, while the homestanding Bears could only manage nine points in the first 14 minutes of the game. The Eagles led by 34 points (43-9) despite a nearly eight minute delay due to a malfunctioning shot clock buzzer as they dominated every phase of the game. They led 57-20 at the break.
It was much of the same script in the final half, as KSU Tusc subbed liberally with 14:16 left on the clock and the scoring disparity continued to avalanche on the dormant Bears.
All 13 Golden Eagles who dressed for the game entered the scoring column with five players reaching double figures. Ed Daniels and Kameron Shockley led the way with 17 points apiece, while Javier Ward tossed in 16, Kyle Shockley 13 and Ethan Bower 10.
Now at 5-3 on the season, the USCAA No. 10 Eagles host Penn State Beaver at 7 pm on Tuesday, December 5th in Founders Hall Gym.
Kyle Shockley fires a one-handed pass and scored 13 points against the Black Bears.
Mekhi Johnson battles for a rebound and scored six points
(Photos courtesy of Thomas More Athletics)