Game Notes
The Series: The Warriors won the regular-season series, defeating Shepherd 85-75 at home and 71-70 on the road. At home, the Warriors took care of business after trailing in the first half, going on a 23-8 run led by senior Lakeem McAliley, who scored 24 points in the game. In the second game at Shepherd, the Warriors were down by as many as 13 points but mounted a second-half comeback, capped by a game-winning 3-pointer from Nasir Griffin to complete the season sweep.
Scouting ESU: The No. 2 scoring offense in the PSAC is powered by Lakeem McAliley, who has scored 505 points this season and is recognized as one of the top players in Division II. McAliley is averaging 18 points per game and ranks No. 2 all-time in scoring for the Warriors.
Fellow senior Cam Young has been the team’s defensive standout, leading the PSAC in steals with 75—14 more than the next closest player. He also has 16 blocks and 65 assists this season.
Evan Morton has played key minutes, keeping the offense running with his team-high 71 assists.
Jalen Pichardo has appeared in all 28 games and leads the Warriors in offensive and defensive rebounding.
St. Thomas Aquinas transfer Ethan Millirons has been a sharpshooter, hitting nearly 45% from 3-point range and making 62 threes this season.
As a team, the Warriors rank among the best in the PSAC, sitting second in scoring offense and fourth in both field-goal percentage and 3-point percentage.
Head coach Jeff Wilson has led the Warriors to three PSAC Championships in his tenure.
Scouting Shepherd: The Rams’ offense revolves around graduate student Chase Paar, who is averaging 13.8 points per game and ranks fourth in the conference with 235 rebounds.
Sophomore guard Marcus Banks keeps the Rams’ offense moving as the team’s second-leading scorer and leader in assists with 121.
Shepherd is strong defensively, leading the conference in opponent field-goal percentage and defensive rebounds.
The Rams are led by head coach Justin Namolik, who is in his 16th season.
A Look Ahead: The winner of this game advances to the semifinal round, which will be held at the campus of the highest remaining PSAC East seed. The semifinals will be played Saturday, with the championship game set for 3 p.m. Sunday.
