Box Score

Millersville, Pa. — Using a balanced and efficient offensive attack, the Millersville men's basketball team recorded its second-straight victory Saturday at Pucillo Gymnasium, convincingly defeating West Chester, 71-57.

After starting PSAC Eastern Division play 0-6, the Marauders have won their last two--both without the services of leading scorer Reggie Bates. Millersville improved to 8-13 overall and 2-6 in the league while West Chester fell to 14-7 overall and 5-3 in the PSAC East.

Millersville had been ranked last in the PSAC in defense prior to this week, but both opponents were held under 40 percent shooting, and the 57 points surrendered to West Chester matched best defensive showing since holding Penn State Abington to 51 points in the season opener.

Palmer McDurfee led the Marauder charge with 21 points and seven assists while committing just one turnover. He hit 3-of-8 from 3-point range and drained 10-of-11 from the free throw stripe including eight in a row in the second half and six in the final two minutes.

Zac Bauermaster also provided a spark, hitting 5-of-7 from 3-point range for 15 points in 24 minutes. Four of Bauermaster's threes came in the second half and three of them came in a span of 3:35 to start the second period.

A Jason Blake steal and dunk gave the Marauders a 26-23 lead heading into the half, but the tight, low-scoring affair quickly turned into a Millersville rout when Bauermaster--starting the second half in place of the injured Brandon Widener drilled a pair of threes on the first two possessions of the second half. Both shots were assisted by McDurfee. Just over two minutes later, Bauermaster canned his third trey, giving the Marauders a 37-27 advantage.

The 3-pointers kept falling for the Marauders. Leading by 11 with 12:21 left, McDurfee hit two, Blake added a three-point play and Cullen Murray-Kemp sank a deep three in a span of four minutes to give the Marauders a 21 point lead.

That would be more than enough as Millersville stayed in front by hitting 12-of-13 free throws in the final 2:26.

Millersville shot 21-of-43 from the field and 11-of-19 from three. In the second half alone, Millersville hit 7-of-10 3-pointers. The Marauders also knocked down 18-of-22 free throws.

Makal Stibbins helped Millersville's cause with 11 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Blake tallied 10 points, four rebounds and three assists, and Murray Kemp, who hit 2-of-3 from long range, scored eight points in 18 minutes.

Millersville will look to extend its winning streak to three Wednesday evening at Shippensburg. Game time is scheduled for 8 p.m.