MILLERSVILLE, Pa. - Despite a game-high 21 points and nine rebounds from junior Tariek Belcher, the Shippensburg men's basketball team could not overcome 29 turnovers, the most committed in a game since 2000, as home-standing Millersville earned an 87-70 victory over the Red Raiders Wednesday evening at Pucillo Gymnasium.
Shippensburg (1-3) has now allowed 80 or more points in consecutive games for the first time since the 2002-2003 season, and the 87 points allowed by the Red Raiders are the most surrendered by Shippensburg since a 90-69 loss to Seattle Pacific on November 27, 2004 in Hilo, Hawaii.
Millersville (3-0) was able to dictate play by forcing 17 steals to just two forced by the Red Raiders, while the Marauders also recorded 34 points off Shippensburg turnovers. Additionally, Millersville added 20 points in the paint in the second half while shooting 69 percent (18-of-26 shooting) over the final 20 minutes.
The Red Raiders established tempo early, leading 15-10 with 9:50 remaining in the first half. However, the Marauders embarked upon their first of many runs on the evening, outscoring Shippensburg 24-8 over the next seven minutes to lead by 11 points with 2:35 remaining in the first half.
Shippensburg closed out the opening 20 minutes by trimming its deficit to four points, 36-32, but an 11-3 run to open the second half gave the Marauders a double-digit lead that they would maintain for the remainder of the contest.
In addition to Belcher's 21 points, sophomore Daziah Miller contributed his fourth consecutive double-digit scoring effort with 16 points and eight rebounds. Senior Alex Jones added 13 points, including three 3-pointers, to go along with five assists.
Millersville improved its home record to 17-1 dating back to the start of last season and 97-29 in ten seasons under head coach Fred Thompson. Over the last two seasons, the Marauders are now 7-1 in the month of November, with their only loss being against Shippensburg last season.
The Red Raiders will begin a stretch of five home games in seven days this weekend with the first of their two PSAC crossovers this season. Shippensburg will host Kutztown on Saturday, while East Stroudsburg visits Heiges Field House on Sunday. Game time for both contests is 3 p.m.
- Red Raider Basketball -
