SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. – Reigning PSAC East Athlete of the Year Carlos Pepin took control early and did not let up, registering a career-high 37 points and 14 rebounds, as the 23rd ranked East Stroudsburg University men's basketball team downed Shippensburg, 108-78, at Heiges Field House on Wednesday evening.
The Warriors (11-1, 5-1 PSAC) pick up its third consecutive victory and open the PSAC Eastern Division schedule with a win, while the Raiders (6-6, 4-2 PSAC) drop its third contest over its past five games.
Pepin's 37 points (14-17 FG, 2-3 3PT, 7-8 FT) are the most by a Warrior this season and is tied with Will Brown (2016 at Seton Hill) for the most points by a Warrior since the 1985-86 season. He added an assist and three steals while committing just one turnover in 30 minutes on the court. He has now reached double-figures in all 12 games this season and has registered his fourth consecutive double-double and his sixth this season.
Notables
- Joining Pepin in double-figures were Justin Paz (15 pts., 6 assists), Mike Millsip (12 pts., 4-6 FG, 2-2 3PT), Shamir Johnson (10 pts., 3-4 FG, 3-3 3PT). Lakeem McAliley added nine points in 15 minutes on the court and added seven rebounds and two blocks. Jaelen McGlone totaled seven points, as 11 Warriors registered at least a single point.
- The Warriors totaled a higher field goal percentage (52%-44%), 3-point field goal percentage (52% (12-13)-29%), shot 83% from the stripe (20-24), tallied five less turnovers from Ship (15-10), led 20-13 on points off turnovers and 42-33 on rebounds. ESU also led in bench points (37-22), points in the paint (46-38), fastbreak points (23-7) and assists (19-15).
- Pepin's previous career-high came at Kutztown last season, when the PSAC East Athlete of the Year poured in 28 points and posted a still career-best 21 rebounds. He joins Ryan Smith, Steve Harris Rasheed Moore Whis Grant (3x), Duane Johnson and Rich Baker as Warriors to record 20-plus points in three consecutive games under Jeff Wilson (since 2002-03).
- Entering the night, Pepin's 37 points would be tied for 24th most points in an NCAA Division II game this season.
- ESU is now tied with Lock Haven (9-2, 5-1 PSAC) for the top spot in the PSAC East.
- SU clings to a lead on the all-time series by a mark of 60-59.
- ESU's 30pt victory over Shippensburg is tied for the largest margin of victory against the Raiders since 1/26/13.
- ESU's 108 points are the most against SU since 1964, when the Warriors posted a 118-75 victory over Shippensburg in the Poconos.
How It Happened
- With the Warriors leading 9-8, Pepin registered eight of the game's next 10 points to take a double-digit lead at 18-8.
- SU sliced the deficit to eight points at 20-12, but ESU scored the next seven, extending the Warrior lead to 15 at 27-12 following a Paz 3-pointer. The Warriors extended its lead to as high as 23 points in the opening half at 45-22, as the two teams entered the locker room with ESU holding a 47-27 advantage.
- ESU maintained its lead throughout the second half, holding a lead of at least 18 and as high as 33 during the final 20 minutes. Jameel Burton Jr. closed the scoring with a free throw with 43 seconds to go for the final score of 108-78.
Up Next
- The No. 23 Warriors host Mansfield (2-8, 1-5 PSAC) on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. inside Koehler Fieldhouse.
- The contest will broadcasted regionally on Blue Ridge TV 13 with Bob Capasso and Bob Brittain on the call, with a simulcast nationally on the PSAC Sports Digital Network. Tune into Bigfoot Country 103.1 FM/840 AM or on Bigfootpoconos.com to hear Chuck Seese call the contest on the radio.
