EAST STROUDSBURG – In a balanced offensive performance that saw nine players register at least eight points, the No. 16/13 East Stroudsburg University men's basketball exploded for an NCAA Division II non-conference program record 120 points in a 120-92 victory over Goldey-Beacom on Wednesday night at Koehler Fieldhouse.
The Warriors (12-1, 6-1 PSAC) extended its winning streak to seven following its non-conference finale. The Lightning (9-6, 4-0 CACC) saw its four-game winning streak snapped by nationally-ranked ESU.
Notables
- ESU's 120 points rank fourth most in program history and is the most since the Warriors set a program record with 126 against Cheney during the 2016-17 season. The Warriors recorded 22 points against Bloomsburg during the 1970-71 season and poured in 121 points against Penn State Lehigh Valley during the 2015-16 campaign. The 120-point outburst is the most in program history against an NCAA Division II non-conference opponent. Entering the day, ESU's 120 points would be tied for 21st among the most points scored in an NCAA Division II game this season.
- Leading the balanced Warriors was Lakeem McAliley, who knocked down 7-9 of his attempts from the floor for 17 points. He also grabbed six rebounds and recorded two steals in 17 minutes on the floor.
- Jaelen McGlone totaled 16 points, stuffing the stat sheet with two rebounds, four assists and three steals. Cam Young poured in 14 points (6-8 FG) and finished with two rebounds, three assists and a pair of steals.
- Justin Paz completed a double-double performance with 11 points (3-5 FG) and matched his career high with 11 assists, which he set during his sophomore season at Lock Haven in 2021-22. The double-double is the second of his career.
- Shamir Johnson reached double-figures with 10 points. Tyshawn Trail, Nasir Griffin (9 pts., 8 reb.), Terrell Pittz (9 pts., 3 steals) and Jalen Pichardo (8 pts., 7 reb.) all neared double-digits in scoring.
- In just six minutes, Jack Farrell cleaned the glass with five rebounds, including two offensive boards.
- GBC also recorded five double-figure scorers, led by Caleb Bates' 19 points and 11 rebounds and Nazim Derry's 18 points.
- Along with eight players totaling at least eight points, all 14 players that appeared in the contest recorded at least one point, 13 recorded at least one rebound and 11 Warriors were credited with at least one assist.
- ESU set season-highs in points, field goals made (47), field goal attempts (82), assists (30) and matched its season-best in 3-pointers made (13). The Warriors 47 field goals are tied for the third-most since 2002-03.
- The combined 212 points between teams are tied for seventh in program history and are the most since ESU and Manfield (116-97) combined for 213 points during the 2021-22 season.
How It Happened
- In the fourth matchup between teams, the Warriors built a 16-8 lead through the first five minutes of play. A 10-2 sprint from GBC would tie the score at 20-20. The Warriors countered with a 12-3 surge to grab a non-point lead at 32-23, before a triple ended the scoring run.
- ESU then took control with 10 consecutive points in less than two minutes of clock, as Young totaled seven of his 14 points during the outburst. The Warriors outscored the Lightning, 23-16 over the final six minutes to take a 20-point lead into the locker room.
- Over the final 20 minutes, ESU's lead fluctuated between 16 and a game-high 30 points (116-86), as the Warriors cruised in its seventh consecutive victory and completed the non-conference schedule with a perfect 6-0 record.
Up Next
- The first-place Warriors (12-1, 6-1 PSAC) prepare for a big-time PSAC East road clash with second-place West Chester (9-5, 5-2 PSAC) on Saturday at Hollinger Fieldhouse. Game time is set for 3:00 p.m. against the Golden Rams.
