In a Friday night clash, Ohio Dominican University's Panthers displayed an uncanny performance by leveraging eight three-pointers to secure a 33-29 halftime lead against a determined KSU Tuscarawas squad. However, the game took several intense turns in the second half, ultimately ending in a 74-66 victory for the Panthers.
The first half showcased Ohio Dominican's sharpshooting prowess, as a barrage of three-pointers put them in control at the break. The Panthers seemed poised to cruise to an easy victory, twice establishing 14-point leads in the final half as they converted on a season high 12 three pointers.
KSU Tuscarawas, refusing to concede defeat, launched a spirited comeback. Trailing 52-38, the Golden Eagles mounted a 12-4 surge, fueled by a Reche' Dixon three-pointer and a dazzling display from Javier Ward, who sunk a pair of triples and added a driving layup, cutting the deficit to 54-50.
Yet, in the ebb and flow of basketball momentum, Ohio Dominican responded with a 12-2 run of their own, extending their lead to 66-52 with just over four minutes remaining in the game.
The Golden Eagles, however, weren't done. With an 11-2 spurt, they clawed back into contention, narrowing the gap to 68-63. Kameron Shockley's clutch plays, including a steal that turned into a basket, injected life back into the contest. Javier Ward and Kyle Shockley contributed crucial points as well, creating suspense with only 37 seconds left on the clock. Ward's knifing drive down the lane for a layup earned praise from the ODU broadcast announcer, as did two triples by Kyle Shockley from the Statehouse in downtown Columbus along with a Shockley dunk off a Dixon steal near midcourt.
Shockley's second three-ball proved very timely and brought the Eagles within striking distance at 70-66. Unfortunately, a costly turnover proved decisive, forcing KSU Tuscarawas to send Ohio Dominican to the free-throw line. The Panthers sealed the victory, scoring the last four points of the game as they also capitalized on 18 Golden Eagles turnovers turning them into 18 Panther points.
Kyle Shockley led the scoring for KSU with 12 points, while Kameron Shockley's all-around performance included 10 points, eight rebounds, and four blocked shots. Javier Ward also contributed 10 points.
Looking ahead, the Golden Eagles (7-4) will host the first day of their annual Christmas Classic on Wednesday, Dec. 20th. The action-packed event will feature a matchup against Lakeland Community College at 5 pm and Bryant & Stratton Buffalo facing CC Allegheny County at 3 pm. Tickets are available for $5 at the door, with the gym cleared between games.
Vinny Roper had 8 rebounds at ODU and blocks a shot attempt at the rim and Ethan Bower hit three triples and battles for the ball and position on the court.
(Photo by Lindsey Nicholson)