Marauders Crank Up Defense for Gritty Road Win

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Lincoln University, Pa. - It took Millersville seven tries to win its first road game last season. Thanks to a stout, second-half defensive effort and clutch free throw shooting down the stretch, the Marauders notched their first road win of 2011-12 in their first try, defeating Lincoln Wednesday, 72-69.

Lincoln's blistering 15-of-30 shooting in the first half had the Marauders down 39-29 at halftime. The Lions hit 5-of-10 from 3-point land, but in the second half, Millersville's defense was stifling. The visitors held the Lions to 0-of-8 from deep and 7-of-28 from the field. George Jackson, who hit 4-of-5 threes in the first, was limited to one three attempt in the second.

It was a gut-check win for a Marauder team still trying to find its identity. Lincoln, while 0-3, played PSAC West programs California (Pa.) and Clarion tough on the road last weekend. The Marauders showed plenty of resolve in front of a raucous Lincoln home crowd in roaring from behind and hanging on late.

The Marauders quickly dug out of the 10-point hole. Larry Grant, who finished with 11 points, started a 17-4 run to open the second half. A 3-pointer from Jim Kelleher tied the score at 43, and on the next Marauder possession, C.J. Scott was left all alone on the right wing, and he buried a trey to give Millersville its first lead since 2-0.

Millersville built the lead to as many as 68-59 with 1:05 left and looked to be pulling away. Lincoln, however, created a pair of turnovers and took advantage of a pair of Marauder fouls to cut the lead to three with 47 seconds to go. Another Millersville turnover resulted in a George Jackson layup that dashed Millersville's lead to just one. C.J. Scott, however, was fouled and hit 1-of-2 from the line. Denzel Mooney missed a three, and Grant, who was fouled after the rebound, calmly knocked down a pair of free throws to put Millersville up by two possessions.

Mooney converted a layup with 11 seconds to go, putting Millersville's lead at two points, but Jaymes Miller hit the second of two free throws at the other end with two seconds remaining to put the game out of reach.

Millersville shot 44 percent from the floor in the second half and 40.4 percent for the game. One game after placing six players in double figures, four Marauders scored 11 or more on Wednesday. Anthony Coleman led Millersville with 13 points and six rebounds. Mike Seibert, Grant and Scott all added 11. Elijah Obade added nine points, 10 rebounds and two blocks.

The Marauders return home Saturday and Sunday to host a PSAC crossover against Slippery Rock and Mercyhurst.

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