Box Score

West Chester, Pa. - The Millersville men's basketball team hoped to erase its non-conference struggles with a quick start to Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division play. West Chester, however, took full advantage of home court and handed the visiting Marauders a 93-67 defeat Wednesday evening.

It was the Golden Rams (10-4, 1-0) best offensive showing of the season and marked the first time that they had scored more than 83 points. Millersville (6-8, 0-1), however, hit 35.7 percent of its shots to be held under 40 percent shooting for the third-straight game. The Marauders fell to 2-6 on the road with the loss.

Millersville had won two-straight PSAC East openers and seven of 10 under Fred Thompson. But West Chester was the last team (2005-06 and 2004-05) to top the Marauders in a league opener, and the Golden Rams did it again Wednesday behind 55.6 percent shooting and 22 points and 12 rebounds from Ralph Hegamin.

West Chester raced to a 43-30 lead at the half and never let off the gas. A swarming Golden Ram defense held Millersville's leading scorer Reggie Bates to just three points in the second half while forcing the Marauders to commit eight turnovers.

Five Marauders still managed to score in double figures. Makal Stibbins led the way with 15 points and eight rebounds--three of which were on the offensive glass. Bates finished with 11, and Lenny Henderson matched that total, scoring all of his points in the second period.

Brandon Widener, who broke out with 19 points in Millersville's last outing, followed the performance with 11 points and two assists in 27 minutes of action.

Millersville will play its fourth-straight road contest Saturday at PSAC East preseason favorite Kutztown. Game time is scheduled for 8 p.m. and will be broadcast on MSBN.