SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. - Despite forcing 23 turnovers, the Shippensburg men's basketball team could not overcome 20 turnovers of its own, shooting under 32.7 percent from the field and dropping a 66-56 decision to the visiting Rams of Shepherd University on Tuesday evening at Heiges Field House.
The loss marks just the fourth defeat in the last 41 home games for the Red Raiders, dating back to the start of the 2004-05 season.
Shippensburg (1-0) struggled mightily from the field in the first half, shooting just 19.2 percent after 20 minutes while trailing 28-15 at intermission. The output marks the lowest point total in a half by Shippensburg since the Red Raiders recorded just 14 points in the second half of a 51-45 loss to California (Pa.) on February 2, 2005 - a span of 72 games.
Shepherd (2-1) only attempted 44 field goals for the game, but connected on 45.5 percent of its attempts from the field. Passing also proved to be a decisive factor in the contest, as the Rams committed 17 steals yet 10 of the team's 20 successful field goals featured assists.
The Rams began to take advantage of Shippensburg's offensive struggles in the final eight minutes of the first half. Leading by one with 7:53 on the clock, Shepherd ended the half on a 14-2 run to take a 13-point lead.
Shepherd continued to extend its lead in the second half, as the Rams held a 48-28 lead over the Red Raiders with 8:45 to play. Shippensburg managed to cut the deficit to as little as six points with 58 seconds remaining, but timely free-throw shooting for Shepherd clinched the 10-point victory for the Rams.
Sophomore forward Daziah Miller, who was named PSAC Player of the Week earlier in the day after totaling a double-double last Saturday against No. 14 Alderson-Broaddus, once again led the Red Raiders in scoring and rebounding. Miller totaled 14 of his game-high 19 points in the second half in addition to seven rebounds.
Senior guard Alex Jones made versatile contibutions to the Red Raider attack despite being limited to 24 minutes because of foul trouble. Jones was the only other double-digit scorer for Shippensburg, adding 12 points to go along with five steals and five assists.
Red-shirt sophomore center Derrick Graff added five points, four blocks and four steals. Shepherd had four players post double figures in scoring, with Liki Turner leading the Rams with 14 points.
Shippensburg will return to action on Sunday, when the Red Raiders travel to Phillippi, W.Va. for a rematch with No. 14 Alderson-Broaddus. Shippensburg won the first meeting against the Battlers last Saturday with a 79-77 overtime victory. Game time from Rex Pyles Arena is set for 6:00 p.m.
- Red Raider Basketball -
