MIDDLETOWN, Pa. - Immaculata men's basketball bounced back from their loss on Saturday by defeating the St. Joseph's University Brooklyn Bears on Sunday. The Mighty Macs toppled the Bears 84-80 in overtime to conclude the Penn State Harrisburg Tip-Off Classic.
The Mighty Macs are 1-1 for the season. Their first AEC game will be on Saturday, Jan. 16 versus Gwynedd Mercy.
COACH STRAMARA'S COMMENTS
"Winning games in overtime comes down to toughness, and tonight we showed it," head coach Kyle Stramara said. "We controlled the glass, dominated the rebounding battle, and made the winning plays when it mattered most. [I'm] proud of our team's fight the entire game. Time to turn our focus to Wednesday."
HOW IT HAPPENED AGAINST ST. JOSEPH'S BROOKLYN
- It was an offensive barrage to start, as both teams combined for six total buckets scored in the first two minutes. Down 10-6, Immaculata used an 11-1 run to swing momentum to them. Immaculata built a 12-point cushion later in the half, thanks to the Jeremiah combo of Jeremiah Smith and Jeremiah Alexander. St. Joseph's Brooklyn trimmed the deficit to single digits, but the Mighty Macs led 34-32 at the break.
- Similar to the first half, the opening possessions on both sides were quick baskets. Bowen Gugger, Mandon Seapoe, and Alexander each hit a triple to take a four-point lead. Despite an Immaculata 69-66 advantage in the waning moments of regulation, the Bears converted three free throws. After a Samuel Jankowski layup, the Bears tied it with 11 seconds left to force overtime. The score was 71-71.
- The extra period was hotly contested; neither team gained an edge. An Alexander score put the Mighty Macs ahead for good, and they iced the game at the free throw line, courtesy of Jaryn Bull and Seapoe. Immaculata grabbed their first win of the season 84-80.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- Jankowski was the lead scorer, tallying 20 points.
- Gugger had four assists.
- Gugger tied Smith with two steals each.
- Marquis Peoples Jr. blocked two shots.
UP NEXT
The Mighty Macs host the Penn State Brandywine Lions on Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 6 p.m. for their home opener.
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