MILLERSVILLE, Pa. - In the aftermath of Millersville's second consecutive overtime loss Friday night, head coach Casey Stitzel predicted that he would find out about his team's resolve Saturday against Pitt-Johnstown. His team impressively responded with a one-sided, 96-72 win, handing the Mountain Cats their first PSAC loss. 

The Marauders' (6-4, 2-2) energy was noticeable from the jump, deploying a full-court press to great effect, even after playing 50 minutes of basketball just 18 hours earlier. Pitt-Johnstown (7-4, 3-1) entered the game averaging 88.9 points per game, but Millersville's press continually forced the visitors to hurry against a depleted shot clock.

"We are way better when we are flying around," said Stitzel. "We challenged our bench to get better, and they did a good job. I need to keep us aggressive because this is one of the best teams I've coached in transition."

Pitt-Johnstown also held a plus-seven margin on the season, but Millersville won that battle 42-32, improving to 4-0 when grabbing at least 40 rebounds. Millersville also totaled 17 assists to 10 turnovers--the most assists in six games and the fewest turnovers of the season. 

"For us, it's the defensive energy, getting in passing lanes, pressuring the ball, getting on the glass, and sharing the ball," said Stitzel. "When we have more assists than turnovers, win the glass, and keep the shooting percentage around 40%, if we get those three things most games we will have a great chance to win."

Jahme Ested led five Marauders in double-figures with his second consecutive 20-point game. He also added four assists and three steals. The Marauders energy level, however, was dictated by senior Drew Stover, who battled through double teams in the post for 18 points, controlled the glass with a team-high 10 rebounds, blocked two shots, and found open perimeter shooters for five assists. 

"It sets the tone," said Stitzel. "His issue is bringing it every game, and that's our issue as a team, too. You look at our back-to-backs. The first game, we are a step slow, and the second game we are mad about the loss and play really hard. Drew sets the tone with blocks; he's all over the glass. We are going to go as he goes."

Aiden Gair scored 18 on 7 of 14 shooting. Saraj Ali finished with 15 points, nine rebounds and two blocks, and Montell Cooper, who finished with 15 points, frequently got the Marauders into transition with his defense. His four steals helped the Marauders to 26 fastbreak points. 

Gair's 3-pointer with 12:53 remaining in the first half started an 18-0 run in which six different Marauders scored. They held UPJ scoreless for 6:34, led by as many as 28 points in the first half, and held a 26-point advantage at the break. Pitt-Johnstown shot just 33.3% from the field in the first 20 minutes and made one 3-pointer in the second half--this from a team that entered the game ranked third in the PSAC in 3-point shooting. Millersville's lead expanded to 34 points with 4:38 to play. 

"These guys have to be willing to write their own story," said Stitzel. "We've had a lot of success. We've had a lot of good players. But this is their story. They are figuring that out. Saraj said after the game today, 'Guys, why can't we play like that every game on defense?' The good news is that we responded to adversity. How do we keep the foot on the pedal every game."

GAME NOTES

• The victory was Millersville's first PSAC win over Pitt-Johnstown since it joined the conference in 2014-15, and ended UPJ's three-game winning streak in Pucillo Gymnasium. Before Saturday, Millersville was 1-5 all-time at home against UPJ, and its last win in the series came in the 2008 NCAA Tournament. 
• Prior to Friday, Ested's career high was 17 points. He totaled 42 points, eight assists and eight steals on the weekend. 
• Millersville is now 5-0 when Stover records more than five rebounds, and 4-1 when he has three or more assists. 

NEXT UP

• Millersville is off for nine days until traveling to Clarion for a PSAC crossover on Dec. 17.