SSU drops tightly contested nonconference bout to Wilberforce, 89-85

WILBERFORCE, Ohio -- The men's basketball program at Shawnee State took a 43-41 halftime advantage and shot 54.5 percent from the field (30-of-55) in a nonconference contest against the Wilberforce Bulldogs' men's basketball program, but the Bears were unable to hold on to the point as 48 second-half points by Wilberforce proved to be enough for the Bulldogs to overcome what was a seven-point second half deficit at one point en route to claiming an 89-85 triumph Monday evening at Gaston Lewis Arena in Wilberforce, Ohio.

Shawnee State continued to look for the open man in achieving its proficient shooting numbers -- as the Bears ultimately nabbed 15 assists on their 30 made baskets in Monday's contest. However, Shawnee State's 17 turnovers compared to Wilberforce's nine proved to be the difference in the final result.

Markell Hood finished in double-figures for the third consecutive game as the junior wing nabbed 17 points and six rebounds to lead Shawnee State -- all while shooting 7-of-13 from the floor. Marcos Vazquez filled up the stat sheet again with a 15-point, seven-rebound, seven-assist and two-steal effort while going 5-of-8 from the field, while Tre Beard posted 15 points, four rebounds and four assists on 5-of-10 shooting from the floor and a 3-of-4 mark from the free throw line.

Donovan Lovelace chipped in 14 points and six rebounds on 4-of-7 shooting from the floor to join the former trio in double-figures, while AJ Belton added in eight points on a perfect 4-of-4 shooting from the floor.

Damon Charles (seven points, 2-of-3 from floor and 3-for-3 from free throw line) and Elkin Ramirez (six points, 2-of-4 shooting including 2-of-3 from deep) teamed with Hood to tally 30 bench points for Shawnee State (2-2). Wilberforce moved to 2-1 with its victory at home Monday evening.

Shawnee State will look to bounce back Saturday afternoon as a big nonconference contest at home against perennial NAIA National Tournament competitor IU-South Bend awaits. Game time for Saturday's contest at Waller Gymnasium is set for 1 p.m.