Hoops Team 1-1 at Penn State-Scranton Tournament

The Mighty Oaks lost their first game to Williamson College, 68-60, at the Penn State-Scranton Tip Off Tournament but set a school record for most points in a game in a convincing, 108-85, win over Penn State-Worthington in the consolation game.

Against Williamson College, the Mighty Oaks found themselves down 8-0 early in the game. Senior Jared Bard hit two straight three-pointers to bring ESF within two. The game morphed into a defensive battle. ESF used its height advantage to get a few baskets by the rim and intimate the basket on the defensive end. The Mechanics went into half time with a 28-26 lead.

Williamson came out hot at the start of the second half, building a 52-37 lead. The Mighty Oaks stormed back after Head Coach Scott Blair called a timeout to rally his players. ESF got within one, 55-54, but struggled from the free throw line, 6-16 for game. The Mechanics pulled away with a 68-60 win.

ESF was led by Bard and senior Ryan Caldwell, who both had 14 points. Freshman Ben Russ IV came off the bench for nine points, seven rebounds and three blocks. Williamson College was lead by senior Kevin Whitfield who scored 20 points off 8-17 shooting. The Mighty Oaks out rebounded the Mechanics 52-37.

In the consolation game against host Penn State-Scranton, ESF found its groove offensively, setting a new school record for most points in a game with 108. The Mighty Oaks jumped out to a quick 20-9 lead. The Nittany Lions countered with some clutch threes to bring the score back into reach. Junior Zane Paradies came off the bench and hit back-to-back three-pointers to pull ESF ahead. Toward the end of the first half, ESF turned the ball over, leading to easy transition baskets for the Lions. The score at the half was tied up 48-48. Caldwell led all ESF scorers with 12 points and nine rebounds.

In the second half, ESF used a combination of solid defensive, holding the Lions scoreless for the first four minutes of the half, and efficient offense to build a large lead. The Mighty Oaks outscored the Nittany Lions 60-37 in second half. The Nittany Lions also committed 12 turnovers, helping the Mighty Oaks build their lead.

ESF had four player score in double digits: Caldwell with 28 points and 15 rebounds; Treadwell with 14 points; Tyler Kuhn with 19 points; and Bard with 16 points. The Mighty Oaks shot a scorching 56 percent from the field and had 24 assists. Penn State-Scranton was led by junior Jeff Griffin's 21 points off the bench. Sophomore Bryan Gallagher also added 20 points for the Nittany Lions, who fall to 2-3 overall.

The Mighty Oaks improve to 2-3 overall. The team's next game against Penn State - Wilkes Barre Nov. 22 was rescheduled because of inclimate weather. The team will face Cazenovia College Nov. 28.