Box Score

Millersville, Pa. - Any questions about how Millersville--with just one returning starter--would play to start the 2008-09 season were quickly put to rest Saturday evening. Seniors Reggie Bates and Makal Stibbins each recorded a double-double as the the Marauders cruised to an 80-51 season-opening victory over visiting Penn State Abington.

Millersville Head Coach Fred Thompson used his bench liberally, as 11 different players played at least 13 minutes and every player that stepped onto the floor found the scoring column. Stibbins set career highs in points (17), rebounds (10) and blocks (6). His six blocks were the most by a Marauder since George Bailey swatted seven against Southern Connecticut State on Nov. 20, 1999.

Bates--a Preseason All-PSAC East selection--scored 11 points but took just nine shots and also grabbed 10 boards for his fourth career double-double.

Also turning in a career performance was sophomore Rob Coney who hauled in a career-best 11 rebounds and tossed in six points. Junior Zac Bauermaster also scored a career-high, knocking down 4-of-7 from the floor including 2-of-3 from 3-point range for 10 points.

Five Marauders made their first career appearances in Pucillo Gymnasium, and it was the newcomers that put the game out of reach in a hurry. Jason Blake, who finished with six points, five assists and four boards, knocked down a jumper 17 seconds in and from there, the Marauders never trailed. Fellow newcomer Palmer McDurfee drilled a 3-pointer on the next offensive trip and added another jumper a minute later to give the Marauders an 8-0 advantage.

Penn State Abington's Tyriq Smith tried to keep his team close, scoring 15 first-half points including a 3-pointer just before the half that reduced Millersville's lead to 37-27.

But the Marauders opened the second half on an 11-2 run that quickly put Penn State Abington out of reach. Millersville continued to build the leading, growing it to as many as 33.

Freshman Cullen Murray-Kemp led the team with three steals and also scored seven points. McDurfee tallied 10 points to give the Marauders four players in double figures.

While Millersville shot 43.8 percent from the field, it held Penn State Abington to 26.3 percent on 10-of-38 shooting. Millersville also dominated inside, outscoring Abington 44-20 in the paint.

Millersville (1-0) begins a two-game road swing on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at Holy Family. Game time is scheduled for 8:30 p.m.