Mighty Oaks Fall to Penn State Scranton in Home Opener

The Mighty Oaks fought hard and came close several times to taking the lead over Penn State Scranton but ended up losing 85-76 in their home opener Nov. 21.

ESF got off to a lethargic start, getting into an early 13-4 hole. Seven straight points by junior Ryan Caldwell got ESF back into it, 17-12, but PSU Scranton used its three-quarter-court press to stymie the Mighty Oaks and go up 27-12 midway through the first half. The Mighty Oaks put on their own full-court press, generating a few turnovers against the Lions to get within eight, 21-29. A slam dunk by Caldwell brought ESF within six, 23-29, with five minutes left in the half. The Lions went on their own mini-run to end the half, pulling head by 11 with the score 43-32.

In the second half, junior transfer Jared Bard scored seven straight to bring ESF within seven again, 45-38. Turnovers along with poor defense hurt ESF as PSU Scranton continued to pull ahead anytime ESF came close. Three straight steals and a pair of three pointers by junior Dan Treadwell kept ESF in the game late in the second half. A jump shot by Bard with three minutes remaining cut the lead to five, 71-66. ESF stopped PSU Scranton on the next possession. Treadwell hit two free throws to get within three, 71-68, with two minutes remaining but that would be as close as the Mighty Oaks would get as a couple untimely turnovers and missed shots on the ensuing possessions by ESF gave PSU Scranton the opportunity to pull ahead 79-68 with a 1:21 remaining. PSU Scranton would go on to win 85-76.

Caldwell scored a career high as well as set a school record with 32 points along with 11 rebounds.  Treadwell finished the game with 19 points, eight assists and five steals.  Senior forward Sage Beemer had 11 rebounds. The Mighty Oaks fall to 0-6 on the season. ESF hopes to get its first win of the season on the road against Penn State Wilkes- Barre Nov. 23.