WEST CHESTER, Pa. - West Chester University men's basketball defeated Claflin University 69-62 on the first night of the Messikomer Tip-Off Tournament at Hollinger Field House on Friday. It was the first game of the season for both teams.
Freshman
Robbie Heath (Whittlesea, Australia / Abington) led all scorers in the game with 20 points to go along with nine rebounds in his college basketball debut. He had a team-high 36 minutes played.
The Panthers kept pace with the Golden Rams early on as they maintained a 13-12 lead with 12:23 remaining in the first half. However, a Heath jump shot gave West Chester the lead, and the Golden Rams went on a 17-6 run over the next 11 minutes. WCU ultimately took a 29-21 lead into the half.
West Chester had its largest lead of the game when sophomore
Marcus Littles (Philadelphia / Neumann Goretti) knocked down a free throw with 16:03 left in the second half to put his team up 41-25. The 6'9 265-pound Littles finished with 12 points, five rebounds and two blocks before fouling out with 21 minutes played in his West Chester debut.
The Golden Rams held a comfortable lead throughout the second half, but Claflin made the score 65-60 with 38 seconds left to make West Chester keep its foot on the gas.
West Chester senior guard
Malik Jackson (Lansdowne, Pa. / Penn Wood) had 14 points, five assists and four rebounds. He was 7-of-8 from the free-throw line.
The Golden Rams play in Hollinger Field House again on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. against Lincoln University to close out the Messikomer Tip-Off Tournament.
