Box Score / Photo Gallery

Millersville, Pa. - The homestanding Millersville men's basketball team trailed Philadelphia by just one point at the half, but the Rams flexed their defensive muscles in the second half and handed the Marauders their first defeat of the season, 69-52.

Philadelphia (5-2), now winners of five in a row, ranked second in Division II in scoring defense a year ago and entered Saturday's game allowing just 52 points per game. The Rams kept that average in check, holding Millersville (3-1) to 20-of-49 shooting including 10-of-30 shooting in the second period. Millersville managed to sink just 2-of-16 3-pointer attempts and also committed 21 turnovers.

The Rams aggressive defense had much to do with the Marauders' miscues. Frederick Russell harassed Millersville's two point guards into 10 turnovers, and he totaled seven steals. He also led all scorers with 24 points.

Despite their offensive woes, the Marauders stayed close early thanks to an outstanding defensive effort of their own in the first period. Philadelphia hit just eight field goals in the first 20 minutes and came up empty from long range. Millersville led by as many five in the first half, but the Rams outscored Millersville 14-8 over the last seven minutes to take a 26-25 lead into the break.

Malcom Ingram and the Rams opened the second half on an 8-2 run in which Ingram accounted for six of the points. Less than seven minutes into the half, the Marauders found themselves down 44-31 when Frederick buried a 3-pointer. Millersville never got closer than eight points the rest of the way.

Jason Blake and Palmer McDurfee entered Saturday's game averaging better than 12 points per game, and the duo ranked first and second on the team in scoring. But they combined for just 10 points Saturday with Blake scoring eight, and McDurfee hitting 1-of-6 shots for two points.

Brandon Widener and Nigel Davis shared team-high honors with 10 points apiece. Guye Weber chipped in nine points and five rebounds, and Alen Ahmetovic totaled eight points and five rebounds.

After playing three of the first four games at home, the Marauders travel to Lock Haven on Dec. 7. Tip is scheduled for 8 p.m.