Box Score

Millersville, Pa. - Despite a strong first half effort, the scrappy Millersville men's basketball team simply had no answer for the high-powered offense of third-ranked Kutztown Saturday at Pucillo Gymnasium. Golden Bear senior Stephen Dennis sparked the visitors with 35 points in the 83-63 triumph.

Dennis entered the game as the nation's leading scoring and topped his 25.9 point per game average. His 35 points came on an efficient 13-of-19 shooting and 9-of-12 from the free throw line and followed his 42-point showing against East Stroudsburg three days earlier.

Kutztown improved to an impressive 14-0 overall and 2-0 in the PSAC East while the Marauders dropped to 6-9 overall and 1-1 in league play.

Millersville received 15 points from Brandon Widener--his highest point total in five games. Jason Blake added 11 points and Palmer McDurfee totaled 10 points and four assists.

The play of the three guards kept the Marauders close early. Blake scored four early points, Widener hit two 3-pointers and McDurfee cashed in another as the Marauders took a 17-16 lead nine minutes into the first half. But from there, Kutztown cranked up the offense.

Ryan Washington scored on back-to-back possessions to ignite a 9-2 run. Kutztown built the lead to 39-30 at the half after Dennis scored his 17th point with 39 seconds left.

Kutztown continued to open the advantage in the second, outscoring the Marauders 9-4 over the first five minutes and extended the lead to as many as 22.

It was just the second time this season that the Marauders had surrendered more than 80 points, and Kutztown racked up the points on 55.9 percent shooting. Millersville struggled from the field, hitting 35.4 percent. The Golden Bears held a distinct advantage inside as well, outscoring the Marauders in the paint, 54-26. They also out-rebounded the Marauders, 44-31.

Millersville continues PSAC Eastern Division play Wednesday at Shippensburg. Tip is 8 p.m.